Head-to-head · facts checked 26 Sept 2026
Inkscape vs Linearity Curve
2 tools, 11 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
The verdict
Inkscape or Linearity Curve?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
Inkscape
Free
Free
Free, open-source software with no paid tier
LLinearity Curve
Free
Free
For individuals
Pro
$10/mo · $8/mo billed yearly
Includes Curve, Move and Linearity AI
Studio
$30/mo · $25/mo billed yearly
Business
$80/mo · $65/mo billed yearly
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
Inkscape
Pros
- It is free and open-source under the GNU General Public License, with no paid tier at all.
- A dedicated boolean operations module handles combining, subtracting and intersecting overlapping paths.
- Its Pencil and Eraser tools support pressure-sensitive tablet input for variable-width strokes.
- It is extensible through a documented Python extension API, with third-party and custom extensions installable.
Cons
- It does not save files out to native Adobe Illustrator .ai format.
- It does not support Pantone colour libraries; it offers CIELAB, Adobe Color Book and Adobe Swatch Exchange palettes instead.
LLinearity Curve
Pros
- Free to download outright, with a Free plan account needing no card and never expiring.
- Auto Trace converts an image, logo or sketch into editable vector paths in one click.
- AI Grab, Background Removal and Magic Eraser handle subject isolation and cleanup inside the app.
- Prompts, content and generated output are not used to train its models unless you separately opt in.
Cons
- No CMYK colour mode or Pantone spot colour support for print work.
- No real-time co-editing; simultaneous edits by more than one person create a duplicate file instead of merging.
- Every paid plan bundles Curve with Linearity Move and Linearity AI, billed per seat, with no way to pay for Curve alone.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2003 | 2017 |
| HQ | — | Germany |
| AI model | None | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Mac, iPad, iPhone, Web |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | — | Freemium |
| Free plan | Yes, the whole app | Yes, for individuals |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Starting price | Free | Free; paid from $10/mo (Pro) |
| All plans | Free — Free | Free — Free Pro — $10/mo Studio — $30/mo Business — $80/mo |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Designers who want a free, open-source vector editor with auto-trace, boolean paths and text on a path | Mac and iPad designers who want a free vector app with auto trace and AI background removal |
| Differentiator | Inkscape is a free, open-source vector editor with auto-trace, boolean paths, text on a path and extensions. | Linearity Curve, formerly Vectornator, is a free vector app for Mac and iPad with auto trace built in. |
| Competitors | Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW | Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDRAW |
Section 03
Inkscape vs Linearity Curve: common questions
Is Inkscape or Linearity Curve cheaper?
Inkscape's cheapest paid plan is Free and Linearity Curve's is Free; paid from $10/mo (Pro). Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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