Inkscape

Inkscape is freeware available as an open source graphics editor which fully supports Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). It was developed on a cross-platform supporting Unix Os, OS X and Microsoft Windows OS. This application is supported by a large user and developer community that ensures consumer needs are met.

Features

Our first impression of Inkscape was of a plain and limited graphics editor. It has basic features which are similar to other graphic
editing software. I was able to access Quickshapes such as ellipses, spirals, rectangles and stars I could convert an object to a repeating pattern and there also were interesting calligraphy tools. It has shortcut buttons that made it easy for me to select objects, arrange selected objects, flip and rotate objects among many other features. I was able to adjust object positions and dimensions with commendable precision. Inkscape can edit gradients comfortably though limited to radial and linear alterations. This software has effects for raster and a Path menu which enables a graphic designer to cut or join objects. An interesting tool I found enabled me to subtract nodes from one of my object’s stroke.
I found Inkscape’s text selection tool far more useful to reputable graphic editing software such as Adobe. Transforming objects was a bit of a hassle as the software resizes the object upon the first click and after the second click the application invokes the skew and rotate option to complete the transformation. Having all these features and more, Inkscape is the ideal graphic editing software for small businesses and individuals who may strain their financial muscle in purchasing more advanced software of this function.

Comparison

Professional graphic designers and editors may find Inkscape to be highly inconvenient and cumbersome to work with. It lacks basic features which make costly graphic editing software more favorable to open source alternatives. In comparison to other open source graphic editing software, Inkscape rates relatively high. Some examples of these competing applications include Gimp which is quite advanced, Phoenix which allows a user to create a picture from scratch with numerous tutorials, Pixlr, which is a very modern graphic editing application and lastly, Blender.org which probably is the most advanced open source editing application with 3D Graphic. Despite the tough competition Inkscape remains resilient, its interface is less intimidating than alternative open source applications, it has the most essential features for graphic editing and the best tutorials I have ever encountered.

Conclusion

You do not have to employ a graphic designer to do your posters, contact cards, business cards etc. Simply download the latest version of Inkscape online absolutely free of charge and make your own graphic designs.