Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor similar to Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Freehand, or Xara X. What sets Inkscape apart is its use of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), an open XML-based W3C standard, as the native format.
In contrast to raster (bitmap) graphics editors such as Photoshop or Gimp, Inkscape stores its graphics in a vector format. Vector graphics is a resolution-independent description of the actual shapes and objects that you see in the image. A rasterization engine uses this information to determine how to plot each line and curve at any resolution or zoom level.
Contrast that to bitmap (raster) graphics which is always bound to a specific resolution and stores an image as a grid of pixels.
Inkscape can import and display bitmap images, too. An imported bitmap becomes yet another object in your vector graphics, and you can do with it everything you can do to other kinds of objects (move, transform, clip, etc.)
While Inkscape does not have all the features of the leading vector editors, the latest versions provide for a large portion of basic vector graphics editing capabilities. People report successfully using Inkscape in a lot of very different projects (web graphics, technical diagrams, icons, creative art, logos, maps).
What"s new in Inkscape 0.91:
- Cairo rendering for display and PNG export
- OpenMP multithreading for all filters
- C++ code conversion
- Major improvements in the Text tool
- Measure tool
- Type design features
- Symbol library and support for Visio stencils
- Cross platform WMF and EMF import and export
- Improved support for Corel DRAW documents, Visio importer
- Support for real world document and page size units, e.g. millimeters
- Numerous usability improvements
- Native Windows 64-bit build
- The complete change log is available here
Download: Inkscape 0.91 | 40.0 MB (Open Source)
Download: Inkscape for Other Operating Systems
View: Release Notes | Inkscape Website