Inkscape vs GIMP: Which One Is Better in 2024?

Inkscape and GIMP are essential tools for businesses and designers due to their powerful, free, and open-source capabilities. We'll compare Inkscape and GIMP to determine which one offers the best features for your needs.

A Quick Overview of Inkscape and GIMP

What is Inkscape?

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that provides tools for creating and editing vector imagery. It is designed for illustrators, designers, web designers, and anyone who needs to create vector graphics.

Inkscape offers flexible drawing tools and broad file format compatibility. Its unique feature is that it is free and open-source software licensed under the GPL, allowing users to download, use, modify, and distribute the software without any cost.

What is GIMP?

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editor available for multiple operating systems, including GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows. It provides tools for graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and scientists to perform tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring.

GIMP offers advanced tools for graphic design, photo manipulation, and original artwork creation. Unlike many competitors, GIMP is completely free and open-source, allowing users to access, modify, and distribute its source code.

Features of Inkscape and GIMP

Similarities

Inkscape and GIMP share several key features that make them popular choices for designers and artists. Both are free, open-source, and offer extensive customization options.

• Both Inkscape and GIMP are free and open-source software, allowing users to modify and distribute the software without cost.
• They support a wide range of file formats, making them versatile tools for various design needs.
• Both programs offer extensive customization through plugins and scripts, enhancing their functionality.
• They have strong community support, providing forums, tutorials, and other resources for learning and contributing.
• Both Inkscape and GIMP feature customizable interfaces, allowing users to arrange toolbars, panels, and menus to suit their preferences.

Differences

Inkscape and GIMP cater to different design needs, with Inkscape focusing on vector graphics and GIMP on raster images. Here are the key differences in their features:

• Vector vs. Raster: Inkscape specializes in vector graphics, making it ideal for scalable designs like logos and icons. GIMP excels in raster image editing, perfect for photo retouching and manipulation.
• Drawing Tools: Inkscape offers advanced vector drawing tools, including Bezier and spiro curves. GIMP lacks these vector-specific tools but provides extensive photo editing capabilities.
• Text Tools: Inkscape features a powerful text tool for creating and editing text within vector designs. GIMP's text tools are more basic, focusing on raster text editing.
• Plug-ins: Both support plug-ins, but GIMP has a broader range of community-created scripts and plug-ins for various image manipulation tasks. Inkscape's extensions are more focused on enhancing vector graphic functionalities.
• Programming Support: GIMP supports scripting in multiple languages (Python, Perl, etc.), allowing for extensive customization. Inkscape's scripting capabilities are more limited, focusing on extensions and plug-ins.

User Interface and Usability

Inkscape's user interface is straightforward, with a clean layout and intuitive navigation. The tools are organized logically, making it easy for users to find what they need. However, the interface can feel cluttered due to the numerous options available. The user experience is generally positive, but the learning curve can be steep for beginners. Usability is enhanced by extensive documentation and community support, though some users may find the interface less polished compared to commercial alternatives.

GIMP's interface is also well-organized, but it can appear overwhelming due to the sheer number of features and tools. The user experience is mixed; while it offers powerful capabilities, the interface can be unintuitive for new users. Usability is supported by comprehensive tutorials and a strong community, yet the complexity of the software can be a barrier. Overall, neither Inkscape nor GIMP has a clear advantage in user interface and usability.

Collaboration

Collaboration in Inkscape is primarily facilitated through its strong community involvement. Users can engage in forums, mailing lists, and chat channels, which foster a collaborative environment. However, the software itself lacks built-in features specifically designed for real-time teamwork, making direct collaboration within the application challenging.

GIMP, on the other hand, also does not offer explicit collaboration features within the software. While it supports extensibility through custom scripts and plugins, which can be used for collaborative projects, the absence of native collaboration tools means users must rely on external methods for teamwork.

Neither Inkscape nor GIMP stands out as superior for collaboration.

Inkscape and GIMP Pricing

Inkscape is entirely free to use, distribute, and modify. There are no hidden costs, subscription fees, or one-time purchase requirements. This makes it an attractive option for users who need a robust vector graphics editor without financial constraints.

GIMP is also free, with no associated costs for downloading or using the software. The project relies on donations to support its development, but contributing is optional. Both Inkscape and GIMP offer excellent value, but neither has a pricing advantage over the other.

Comparing Inkscape and GIMP to Piktochart

Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

• AI-Powered Design Generator: Create stunning visuals quickly with the help of AI, which automates the design process and boosts productivity.
• Extensive Template Library: Access a wide variety of customizable templates for infographics, presentations, social media posts, and more, saving you valuable time.
• Video Editing and Transcription: Utilize tools like the video editor and automatic video transcription to any language, making content repurposing accessible for everyone.
• Versatile Visual Tools: From infographic makers to video croppers, Piktochart offers a comprehensive suite of tools to cater to diverse design needs.
• Sector-Specific Support: Benefit from features tailored for various sectors, including education, healthcare, marketing, and nonprofits, ensuring your visuals are impactful and relevant.

Piktochart's Pricing

• Free: $0 (Free forever)
• Pro:
  • $29 per member/month (billed monthly)
  • $14 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
• Business:
  • $49 per member/month (billed monthly)
  • $24 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
• Enterprise: Custom Pricing (Contact for details)

What Are Others Saying?

Inkscape Reviews

Overall, users have given Inkscape a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While they appreciate its powerful features and affordability, they find the learning curve and usability frustrating.

"The interface is cluttered and difficult to navigate for beginners." - John D., 3.5/5

"Importing files can be a hassle, and the software sometimes crashes." - Emily R., 3/5

"The learning curve is steep, making it hard to master all the features." - Michael S., 3.8/5

Find more of Inkscape reviews on G2!

GIMP Reviews

GIMP has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5. Users appreciate its extensive tools but find the interface complex and the learning curve steep.

"The interface is complex and not user-friendly for beginners." - Treyanna B., 3.5/5

"It can be heavy and complex initially." - Vishal L., 3.8/5

"The learning curve is steep, making it hard to master all the features." - Devon Courtney T. K., 3.7/5

Find more of GIMP reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They find it incredibly useful for creating professional visuals quickly and easily. Here are some of their thoughts:

• "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer." - Jessica D.
• "Piktochart is a Web-based Magic Graphic Design Tool everyone." - Ganesh P.
• "My Go-To for ALL Professional Presentations!" - Jennifer K.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why use Inkscape over GIMP:

• Consumers who need to create detailed vector illustrations, such as logos and icons, will find Inkscape's advanced vector drawing tools indispensable. This makes it ideal for illustrators, graphic designers, and web designers who require scalable vector graphics.

Why use GIMP over Inkscape:

• GIMP is perfect for consumers who need high-quality photo manipulation and extensive image editing capabilities. Photographers, graphic designers, and illustrators who focus on raster images will benefit from GIMP's sophisticated tools for retouching, restoring, and creating composites.

Why use Piktochart over GIMP and Inkscape:

• Piktochart is ideal for consumers who need to create professional visuals quickly and easily without any design experience. Communications professionals, educators, and marketers will appreciate its AI-powered design generator and extensive template library for infographics, presentations, and social media graphics.

Inkscape, GIMP, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting, Inkscape and GIMP offer powerful tools to meet your creative needs. However, if you're looking for a user-friendly solution that allows you to create stunning visuals effortlessly, Piktochart is your best bet. With its AI-powered design generator and extensive template library, you'll be able to produce professional-quality content in no time. Give Piktochart a try and see how it can transform your visual communication.