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How to download and install Inkscape on Mac

Inkscape, the free vector graphics editor, comes from inkscape.org in separate builds for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Here is which one to pick, how to install it and what to set up after the first launch.

Inkscape

  • Apple Silicon and Intel
  • Free, open source
Official Inkscape websiteinkscape.org ↗

Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:

For Apple Silicon.dmgFor Intel.dmg

The links go to the developer’s website (inkscape.org, media.inkscape.org). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.

Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:

brew install --cask inkscape

Homebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.

No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.

Which version to download

On the download page, choose macOS. There are two disk images: one for arm64 (Apple Silicon) and one for Intel. To know which one you need:

  1. Choose Apple menu › About This Mac.
  2. If you see Chip with Apple M1, M2 or later, take the arm64 build. If you see Processor with Intel, take the Intel build.

The current Inkscape for Apple Silicon needs macOS 11.3 or later. The Intel build runs from macOS 10.13. Download Inkscape only from inkscape.org: copies from other sites may come with extra software.

How to install Inkscape

  1. Open the downloaded Inkscape .dmg in your Downloads folder.
  2. In the window that opens, drag Inkscape to the Applications folder.
The Inkscape disk image window: Inkscape and the Applications folder to drag it to
  1. Eject the Inkscape disk: click the eject button next to it in the Finder sidebar.
  2. Open Inkscape from Applications and click Open when macOS asks about an app downloaded from the internet.

What to set up after the first launch

  • Quick setup. The welcome window lets you pick the canvas look, keyboard shortcuts and theme. You can change them later in Inkscape’s preferences.
  • Folder access. When Inkscape first opens or saves a file in Documents, Desktop or Downloads, macOS asks for access. Click Allow.
  • Your additions. Palettes, extensions and templates you add go to ~/Library/Application Support/org.inkscape.Inkscape. Copy that folder when you move to a new Mac.
  • The installer. Move the .dmg from Downloads to the Trash once Inkscape runs.

If Inkscape won’t install or open

  • «Inkscape is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete it and download it again from inkscape.org.
  • macOS offers to install Rosetta. You took the Intel build on an Apple Silicon Mac. Delete it and download the arm64 build: it runs faster.
  • Inkscape crashes or behaves strangely. Remove it with its settings and install it again. Copy your palettes and extensions first: see how to uninstall Inkscape on Mac.

Alternatives to Inkscape

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Questions and answers

Is Inkscape free?

Yes. Inkscape is free and open source, for personal and commercial work alike. The project accepts donations on its website.

Is Inkscape in the Mac App Store?

No. Inkscape for Mac comes from inkscape.org. You can also install it with Homebrew.

Can Inkscape open PDF and Illustrator files?

Inkscape imports PDF files and Illustrator files saved with PDF compatibility. Its own format is SVG, and it exports to PNG, PDF and other formats.