The graphic designing sector is growing rapidly with the growth of digital platforms. Different types of images, logos, icons, and banners are required for making web applications attractive. Images are also used in advertisements, webinars, blogs, etc. and this increases the demand for stunning images. To create images special software is used and two such software are Photoshop and Inkscape so we will compare the capabilities of both software to find the right one.
What is Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is SaaS licensed raster graphics editor developed by Adobe Incorporation. It allows users to create, edit and manipulate images of different types and then export them in several formats like PNG, PS, JPEG, etc. Its original author is Thomas and John Knoll who started the development work and launched the software in 1990.
Advantages of Adobe Photoshop
- Photoshop files can be used in other software easily.
- It has advanced tools for converting photos from one format to another.
- Sketches can be made easily using automatic sketch-creating functionality.
- It produces quality images for different platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Disadvantages of Adobe Photoshop
- It is not budget-friendly software.
- It requires good system specifications for smooth running.
What is Inkscape?
Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor developed using C++ and Python. It is free software that comes with editing and manipulation tools to work on different types of images. It was launched in 2003 with nearly 60 interface languages. Its format is SVG which means Scalable Vector Graphics means the image’s quality will not degrade on the zooming.
Advantages of Inkscape
- Easy line correction with the help of Node tools while creating any design.
- It produces realistic images due to advanced color systems like flat colors, transparency colors, gradients, etc.
- It can be used on a system with the minimum specification.
- It is open source and has good community support.
Limitations of Inkscape
- It takes to get comfortable with the software.
- It does not allow the editing of some special files like EPS files.
Following is a table of differences between Photoshop and Inkscape:
| Categories | Photoshop | Inkscape |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Photoshop is defined as an image editing software that is based on pixels means it creates and manipulates images on a pixel basis. | Inkscape is an SVG image creator and editor that is used to produce quality images. |
| Launch Date | It was launched on 19 February 1990. | It was launched on 2 November 2003. |
| Rating | It has a very high rating compared to Inkscape. | It has a good rating. |
| Learning | It is an advanced tool and has lots of features that are difficult to understand in beginning. | It is quite easy to learn as compared to other image editors. |
| Cloud Storage | Adobe offers 100 GB of cloud storage for its users. | It does not offer any cloud storage. |
| Type | It is a raster graphics editor. | It is a vector graphic editor. |
| License | It has a SaaS license. | It has GPL 3.0 license. |
| Download | It can be downloaded from https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html | It can be downloaded from https://inkscape.org/ |
Conclusion/Summary
On comparing Photoshop and Inkscape features, it is clear that Inkscape is a winner for beginners and small businesses as it is free and has great drawing tools. On the other hand, Photoshop is mainly for professional purposes as it is paid and has advanced tools for realistic photo designs and artwork.