Enjoy bug fixes in Inkscape 1.0.2 and try out Inkscape 1.1 alpha

Inkscape 1.0.2 Thumbnail image 'Island of Creativity' by Bayu Rizaldhan Rayes, edited by Adam Belis (CC-By-SA)

Stability and bug fixes are the main focus of the Inkscape 1.0.2 release, including a packaging update for macOS that improves performance over the last release. This release provides fixes for many crashes in general, so updating will provide a smoother experience in Inkscape overall. Inkscape 1.1 alpha will be released along with version 1.0.2, so testers can get their hands on the upcoming major version early.

Built with the power of a team of mostly volunteers, this open source vector editor represents the work of many hearts and hands from around the world, ensuring that Inkscape remains available free for everyone to download and enjoy.

Inkscape 1.0.2

macOS packaging

Inkscape's packaging has been updated for macOS, which enables better performance and includes icons appearing correctly and PDF export producing printable PDF files. The macOS version of Inkscape 1.0.2 is faster than 1.0.1, however, project developers are continuing to improve the macOS version for future releases.

Bug Fixes

Inkscape's Eraser Tool works once again, which will please every user! Gone are the red lines. Welcome, once again, to being able to draw and erase freely!

Crafters and makers seeking to frame and shape text will no longer need to rely on workarounds, to use text in Boolean operations, or when offsetting text. This means that if users have been holding out with 0.92.5 because of this, they'll find the functionality restored in 1.0.2. Older tutorials will once again be helpful for users seeking to learn how to wrangle text in Inkscape.

Features

Two new features made the cut:

 

It is now possible to deactivate the zoom function when clicking with the middle mouse button.

Zoom with middle mouse click option in the Preferences
Zoom with middle mouse click option in the Preferences

You can now prevent accidental Canvas rotation, either temporarily for a document, or for all new Inkscape windows.

Option to lock the rotation for new documents in the Preferences

Option to lock the rotation for new documents in the Preferences

For more details on specific updates in Inkscape 1.0.2, check out the Release Notes on the download page.

Download Inkscape 1.0.2 now!

Version 1.0.2 of this free and open-source vector editor is an update for the stable version 1.0, that was released in May 2020.

Download Inkscape 1.0.2 for Linux, Windows or macOS!

Release of 1.1 alpha for testing

For those seeking more adventure, Inkscape's 1.1 alpha release is also available. This is an important step in the launch process for the release of version 1.1. This is scheduled for May 2021.
An important part of this release is to gain valuable feedback from users that will improve the major release in the spring.

New features

Early adopters will find a Welcome Screen upon launching the program. This will help users to quickly set up preferences located within three tabs.
In the first tab, users can choose the theme, including sticking with the classic Inkscape look and feel. The second tab provides links to contributing and / or donating opportunities, while the third tab makes quick work of choosing the right document size for the project at hand, from images for print, video or social media channels and more.
The new Commands palette will open by using the "?" key, allowing users to search and click on many functions without worrying about keyboard shortcuts or menus.
Additionally, when it comes to finding and setting preferences, there's a new search function that will speed up the process.
Artists will appreciate the new Outline Overlay mode, where path outlines show through the drawing. This is different to the original outline mode, which only shows the path outlines.

For more information on what's included in this alpha version, head here for the release notes draft.

Try out Inkscape 1.1 alpha on Linux, Windows or macOS!

Report bugs and experience related to the alpha by filling out a report directly at the Inbox.

1.1 alpha preview gallery

Click on images to view a larger version.

1.1 alpha: First tab of the new "Welcome" dialog
1.1 alpha: First tab of the new "Welcome" dialog
1.1 alpha: Second tab of the new "Welcome" dialog
1.1 alpha: Second tab of the new "Welcome" dialog
1.1 alpha: Third tab of the new "Welcome" dialog
1.1 alpha: Third tab of the new "Welcome" dialog
1.1alpha: Commands palette in action

1.1 alpha: Commands palette in action

1.1 alpha: Searchable preferences
1.1 alpha: Searchable preferences
1.1 alpha: Outline overlay view mode
1.1 alpha: Outline overlay view mode

Reach out & join the community

Questions, comments and feedback on Inkscape are welcome!

For user support, head to Inkscape's chat, where community volunteers field help requests of all sorts.

To report bugs, fill out a report directly at the Inbox.

From programmers and translators to writers, researchers and artists, the Inkscape community is a friendly space to learn and share, build skills and meet others interested in Free Software and vector editing. Visit Inkscape's Community Page for more ways to connect.

...and remember, whenever you draw... Draw Freely.