Hello everyone, dive into graphic design on Ubuntu 24.04 with Inkscape, a free, open-source vector editor that rivals Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw.
Its active community keeps it fresh and powerful.
I’ve been using Inkscape for over a year, and it’s been a rock-solid tool for all our design needs, logos, illustrations, you name it.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through installing it, highlight its killer features, and show why it’s a top pick for Linux creatives.
Whether you’re a pro designer or a hobbyist, this post has everything you need to get started. Share your thoughts on Inkscape in the comments.
How to install Inkscape on Ubuntu 24.04
You can install Inkscape on Ubuntu 24.04 via GUI, Snap, Flatpak, or the official site, each method gets you designing fast.
Method 1: Installing Inkscape via GUI
Love a point-and-click setup? Here’s how to grab Inkscape easily.
Step 1: Choose your download source:
- 🌐 Official Website (DEB or AppImage)
- 📦 Flathub (Flatpak package)
- 🐧 Snapcraft (Snap package)
Step 2: Open the link in Ubuntu Software Center, click “Install,” or double-click the downloaded DEB/AppImage.
Step 3: Launch Inkscape from your applications menu.
Quick Tip: 💡 Snap keeps Inkscape updated automatically, perfect for staying current.
Method 2: Installing Inkscape with Snap via Terminal
Step 1: Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
Step 2: Install Inkscape:
sudo snap install inkscape
Step 3: Launch it with inkscape or from the menu.
Quick Tip: 💡 Run snap refresh to grab the latest version post-install.
Method 3: Installing Inkscape with Flatpak via Terminal
Step 1: Open your terminal.
Step 2: Install Inkscape:
flatpak install flathub org.inkscape.Inkscape
Step 3: Launch it with flatpak run org.inkscape.Inkscape or from the menu.
Quick Tip: 💡 Ensure Flatpak is installed first with sudo apt install flatpak.
How to Upgrade Inkscape on Ubuntu 24.04
Stay on top of Inkscape’s latest design tools with these upgrade steps.
Method 1: Upgrading via GUI
Step 1: Open Ubuntu Software Center.
Step 2: Go to “Installed,” find “Inkscape.”
Step 3: Click “Update” if available (Snap/Flatpak).
Quick Tip: 💡 Check “Help > About” in Inkscape to confirm the version.
Method 2: Upgrading via Terminal
Step 1: Open your terminal.
Step 2: For Snap:
sudo snap refresh inkscape
Step 3: For Flatpak:
flatpak update org.inkscape.Inkscape
Quick Tip: 💡 Restart Inkscape after updating for new features to kick in.
What Makes Inkscape Special
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor launched in 2003, rivaling Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw with its SVG-based power. Its streamlined interface and active community make it a creative standout on Ubuntu 24.04.
Why We Love It: It’s a pro-grade tool that’s free, with a community that keeps it evolving, perfect for budget-savvy designers.
Key Features:
- Versatile Uses: Spans marketing, CAD, web graphics, and cartooning.
- Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with export-friendly formats.
- Drawing Tools: Pencil (freehand), pen (Bézier curves), calligraphy tools.
- Shape Tools: Rectangles, ellipses, stars, spirals, all customizable.
- Text & Clones: Multi-line text editing and live object cloning.
- Transformations: Move, scale, rotate, skew, interactively or precisely.
- Layers & Grouping: Organize with lockable layers and grouped objects.
Inkscape Screenshots
Inkscape Video Demo
System Requirements
- CPU: 1 GHz processor (multi-core recommended).
- RAM: At least 2GB (4GB+ for complex projects).
- GPU: OpenGL 2.0 compatible (basic graphics sufficient).
Quick Tip
💡 Use the “Node Tool” (F2) to tweak shapes online, it’s a fast way to master precision editing.
How to Uninstall Inkscape from Ubuntu 24.04
Switching editors? Here’s how to remove Inkscape cleanly.
Method 1: Uninstalling via GUI
Step 1: Open Ubuntu Software Center.
Step 2: Find “Inkscape” under “Installed.”
Step 3: Click “Remove” and confirm.
Quick Tip: 💡 Verify it’s Snap or Flatpak in “Installed” for the right method.
Method 2: Uninstalling via Terminal
Step 1: Open your terminal.
Step 2: For Snap:
sudo snap remove inkscape
Step 3: For Flatpak:
flatpak uninstall org.inkscape.Inkscape
Step 4: Clear config files:
rm -rf ~/.config/inkscape
Quick Tip: 💡 Check ls ~/.config/ to spot leftovers.
Troubleshooting Inkscape
Not Launching? Update your system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Performance Lag? Ensure your GPU supports OpenGL 2.0, try a lighter desktop session (e.g., XFCE).
For more help, visit Inkscape Community or r/Inkscape.
Why Choose Inkscape?
Inkscape delivers pro-level vector editing for free, outshining paid rivals with its flexibility and community support. It’s the Ubuntu designer’s dream, robust, cost-free, and ever-improving.
More Ubuntu Design Tools
Check out our lists of top photo editors, best audio editors, and best software for Ubuntu.
What’s your take on Inkscape? Designed anything cool yet? Share in the comments.
