Inkscape vs Krita
Both are free photo & graphics tools. Here is how they actually differ.
Inkscape and Krita at a glance
| Feature | Inkscape | Krita |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Inkscape Project | Krita Foundation |
| Licence | Open Source | Open Source |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile | No | No |
| Source code | Public | Public |
Inkscape: what it's good at
Inkscape is a full vector graphics editor working natively in SVG, suitable for logos, illustrations, diagrams and print-ready artwork. It is the standard free alternative to Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.
- Native SVG editing
- Full bezier and node editing
- Text on path and typography tools
- Bitmap tracing to vector
Krita: what it's good at
Krita is purpose-built for digital painting rather than photo editing, with an outstanding brush engine, excellent drawing-tablet support, and features aimed at comic and concept artists including frame-by-frame animation.
- Exceptional customisable brush engine
- Excellent graphics tablet support
- Frame-by-frame animation tools
- Comic panel and perspective assistants
Which should you choose?
Both are free, so the honest answer is that you can install either and decide for yourself — that is the advantage of free software over a paid trial.
Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux. Both are open source, so neither locks you in.
We deliberately do not publish a star rating for either. We have no way to verify a rating that would be honest at scale, and an invented one would be worse than none — so we give you the facts and let you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Inkscape better than Krita?
Neither is universally better. Inkscape professional vector illustration — the free Illustrator alternative, while Krita digital painting software built for illustrators and concept artists. The right pick depends on your platform and workflow.
Are both really free?
Inkscape is open source and Krita is open source. Both can be downloaded without paying.
Can I install both?
Yes. Since neither costs anything, installing both and comparing them on your own files is usually the fastest way to decide.