Head-to-head · Graphic Design Software
Affinity vs Inkscape
Affinity leads on 0 checks, Inkscape on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAffinity · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresAffinity · 5 of 7
Affinity scores higher on our rubric for graphic design software: 9.0 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.
Affinity is the better fit for professionals wanting a free all-in-one design suite. Inkscape is the better fit for free open-source vector design.
- Affinity fits best
Professionals wanting a free all-in-one design suite
- Inkscape fits best
Free open-source vector design
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Side by side
| Feature | Affinity 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Inkscape 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #4 in Graphic Design Software | #7 in Graphic Design Software |
| Best for | Professionals wanting a free all-in-one design suite | Free open-source vector design |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Affinity 5/7 · Inkscape 3/7 | ||
| Template library | ✓ | ✓ |
| Presentation design | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Illustration tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brand kit | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Real-time collaboration | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | — | — |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Affinity brings vector design, pixel-based photo editing, and page layout into one desktop workspace. It is aimed at professionals handling illustration, logos, typography, image editing, reusable layouts, and print production without… Read the review → |
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor for artistic and technical illustration. It is aimed at people creating logos, typography, diagrams, flowcharts, cartoons, clip art, and other scalable graphics. SVG is the primary… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Affinity — where it wins
- Combines vector design, photo editing, and page layout
- Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, DWG, and other formats
- Supports print-ready CMYK, spot colors, preflight, and bleed
Where it doesn't
- Available on Windows and macOS, with no mobile app
- Requires a Canva account for individual access
- Additional Canva premium AI features require a paid Canva plan
Inkscape — where it wins
- Free GPL-licensed software with source code available
- SVG editing with tracing, typography, Boolean, and path tools
- Windows, macOS, and Linux support with broad file-format export
Where it doesn't
- SVG is the primary format for design workflows
- Desktop applications may not fit browser-first work
- The toolset may be broader than needed for simple graphics
- Affinity9.0/10 · Free plan
A free desktop suite covering vector, pixel, layout, scripting, and print production.
Visit AffinityFull verdict → - Inkscape8.7/10 · Free plan
A capable free SVG editor for illustration, diagrams, typography, and technical graphics.
Visit InkscapeFull verdict →
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All graphic design software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






