How to Install Inkscape on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

Inkscape is a powerful, open-source vector graphics editor that rivals premium software with its flexibility and feature set. It’s designed for illustrators, web designers, and anyone looking to create or edit vector graphics. Whether you’re crafting logos, web graphics, or project illustrations, Inkscape offers a comprehensive suite of tools to bring your vision to life. Its compatibility with various file formats, including SVG, PDF, EPS, and PNG, makes it versatile for different design needs.

Additionally, below are eight features that may interest you in using Inkscape:

• Free and Open-Source: Enjoy full access without any subscription fees.
• Cross-Platform: Works seamlessly on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
• Extensive Toolset: Offers various object creation, manipulation, and transformation tools.
• Rich Community: Benefit from a vast library of tutorials and community support.
• Scalable Vector Graphics: Create scalable designs without losing quality.
• Customizable Interface: Tailor the workspace to your preferences and workflow.
• Advanced Text Tools: Provides robust text manipulation and typography features.
• Extensibility: Enhance functionality with plugins and extensions.

Transitioning from Inkscape’s creative potential to the practical installation steps, it’s important to choose the method that best suits your system and needs. Let’s dive into the technical details.

Method 1: Install Inkscape via APT

Update Ubuntu System Packages Before Inkscape Installation

Before installing Inkscape, you must update your Ubuntu system to ensure you have the latest packages and security updates. To do this, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Select Inkscape Installation Option

There are two methods for installing Inkscape using APT. You can install the version available in the Ubuntu repository or add the Inkscape PPA for the latest stable or nightly version.

Option 1: Install Inkscape from Ubuntu Repository

Inkscape is available in the default Ubuntu repository. This version is recommended for users who need a stable version for basic usage and do not require the latest features. Note that Ubuntu LTS releases may not have the most recent updates for Inkscape.

To install Inkscape from the Ubuntu repository, enter the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt install inkscape

Option 2: Install Inkscape via Inkscape PPA

For users who want the latest stable version of Inkscape without using Flatpak or Snap, you can import the Inkscape PPA. You can choose between the stable PPA or the nightly PPA.

First, ensure that the required dependencies are installed by executing the following command:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https -y

To import the stable Inkscape PPA, run the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:inkscape.dev/stable -y

For those who prefer the nightly version, use this command instead:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:inkscape.dev/trunk -y

Note: Import only one PPA. If you import both, the system will automatically select the higher version, the development version.

After adding the desired PPA, update your package list to reflect the new changes:

sudo apt update

Finally, install Inkscape using the following command:

sudo apt install inkscape -y

Alternatively, to install the Inkscape Development version on Ubuntu, run the following command:

sudo apt install inkscape-trunk -y

When installing the development version of Inkscape, it’s critical to use the inkscape-trunk install command. Using the standard inkscape command will not install it.

Method 2: Install Inkscape via Flatpak and Flathub

This section will explore an alternative method for installing Inkscape using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a popular option similar to Snap and is featured across many Linux distributions as a third-party installation package manager for obtaining the latest software packages.

Note: If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.

Enable Flathub For Inkscape Installation

Before installing Inkscape through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, the primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to various applications, including Inkscape.

Install Inkscape on Ubuntu via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can now install Inkscape using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub org.inkscape.Inkscape

This command installs Inkscape from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest version of the application.

Method 3: Install Inkscape via Snap

This last method will demonstrate installing Inkscape using the Snapcraft package manager. Snapcraft is widely used across various Linux distributions and comes pre-installed on Ubuntu systems unless removed previously.

Install Inkscape via Snap Command

Now that your system is ready for classic snap packages, you can install Inkscape using the snap install command. Execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo snap install inkscape

By running this command, you will install the Inkscape snap package, providing you with the latest stable version of the application.

Launch Inkscape on Ubuntu via CLI or GUI

Congratulations! Now that you have successfully installed Inkscape on your system, it’s time to learn how to launch the application using various methods, depending on your installation type.

CLI Method to Launch Inkscape

For users who have installed Inkscape using the APT or PPA methods, you can launch the application by typing the following command in your terminal:

inkscape

If you have installed Inkscape using the Flatpak method, you must use a different command to launch the application. Enter the following command in your terminal:

flatpak run org.inkscape.Inkscape

For users who have installed Inkscape as a Snap package, you can launch the application using the command below:

snap run inkscape

GUI Method to Launch Inkscape

While launching Inkscape from the terminal is helpful in some cases, most desktop users will prefer to launch the application using their desktop environment. To do this, follow the path below:

Activities > Show Applications > Inkscape

Additional Inkscape Commands

Update Inkscape

You should regularly update the software to keep Inkscape up-to-date and maintain its optimal performance. The update command varies based on the installation method you used initially.

APT Update Method for Inkscape

If you installed Inkscape using the APT package manager, run the following command to update:

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak Update Method for Inkscape

For those who installed Inkscape through Flatpak, use the following command to update:

flatpak update

Snap Update Method for Inkscape

If you installed Inkscape using Snap, execute this command to update:

sudo snap update

Remove Inkscape

If you no longer need Inkscape on your system, follow the instructions below to uninstall it based on your initial installation method.

APT Remove Method for Inkscape

To remove Inkscape installed via APT, run the following command:

sudo apt remove inkscape

If you installed Inkscape using one of the PPAs, you should also remove the associated repository. For the stable PPA, use this command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:inkscape.dev/stable -y

For the nightly PPA, execute this command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:inkscape.dev/trunk -y

Flatpak Remove Method for Inkscape

To uninstall Inkscape installed through Flatpak, run the following command:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.inkscape.Inkscape

Snap Remove Method for Inkscape

If you installed Inkscape with Snap, use the following command to remove it:

sudo snap remove inkscape

Conclusion

In wrapping up this guide, we walked through the steps to install Inkscape on Ubuntu, explored some essential first-time tips to kickstart your design journey, and explored customization and performance optimization to make the most of this powerful tool. My final piece of advice? Dive in and start experimenting with Inkscape’s vast features. Remember, the key to mastering Inkscape lies in practice and exploration.

Useful Links

Here are some valuable links related to using Inkscape:

• Inkscape Official Website: Visit the official Inkscape website for information about the vector graphics editor, its features, and download options.
• Inkscape FAQ: Find answers to frequently asked questions about using Inkscape.
• Inkscape Gallery: Explore the Inkscape gallery to see examples of artwork created with Inkscape.
• Inkscape Forums: Join the Inkscape forums to discuss issues, share solutions, and get support from other users.
• Inkscape Books: Discover books and resources to learn more about Inkscape.
• Inkscape Tutorials: Access tutorials to learn how to use Inkscape effectively.
• Inkscape Animation: Explore resources and tutorials for creating animations with Inkscape.