The SVG format that Inkscape uses as its native file format can be opened by almost any other vector graphics tool and can also be viewed by all modern web browsers, which means SVG is increasingly being used on the web and in other kinds of digital design. The main advantages of using vector over raster graphics come down to scalability and file size, but the vector approach won't suit every use case.

However, importing raster graphics into Inkscape for use within a larger vector graphic project is possible, either by linking it or by embedding it directly into the file.

Digital photographs are generally born as raster images, and it's best to edit them in a raster graphics tool, such as GIMP or darktable. Vector graphics can easily be converted into raster graphics, but it is much more difficult to convert raster graphics into vectors.Ĭommon file formats for raster graphics include JPG, PNG, BMP, and TIF. Instead of being made up of paths, raster graphics are made with a grid of pixels. The other major type of computer images are raster graphics. Shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and other polygons are all used extensively in the creation of vector graphics. Most vector graphics tools give users the ability to create paths called 'primitives' or shapes. In Inkscape, these are called nodes and paths.

Vector graphics are made up of points and the lines between them. Inkscape's native file format, Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), is a W3C open standard. Others use Inkscape to draft web design mockups, detail layouts for printed circuit boards, or produce outline files to send to laser cutting equipment. People also draw game sprites, produce banners, posters, and brochures. It is used to make diagrams, logos, programmatic marketing materials, web graphics, and even for paper scrapbooking. The variety of what can be done with Inkscape is vast and sometimes surprising. Although it's primarily an illustration tool, Inkscape is used for a wide range of computer graphic tasks. Inkscape is a powerful, open source desktop application for creating two-dimensional scalable vector graphics.

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