Inkscape is an open source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X, using the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format. Inkscape supports many advanced SVG features such as markers, clones, alpha blending, etc. with a streamlined interface. It is very easy to edit nodes, perform complex path operations, trace bitmaps and much more. Inkscape is definitely a viable alternative application to Adobe Illustrator with its ability to create and edit graphics in scalable vector format. You can also go through their clip art collection and find lots of images made with Inkscape that are free to use or modify.

After over one year of intensive development and refactoring, Inkscape 0.47 was out. This stable version of the SVG-based vector graphics editor brings improved performance and tons of new features like timed autosave, Spiro splines, auto-smooth nodes, Eraser tool, new modes in Tweak tool, snapping options toolbar and greater snapping abilities, new live path effects, over 200 preset SVG filters, new Cairo-based PS and EPS export, spell checker, many new extensions, optimized SVG code options, and much more. It’s time to download the updated version for your Windows, Linux or Mac OS X.

• http://www.inkscape.org/