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Inkscape 1.4, released on October 13, 2024, introduced a Filter Gallery for browsing effects, configurable modular grids for layout work, and an experimental Unified Font Browser. The gallery and grids are standard features; the font browser is an optional alternative to the Text and Font dialog that must be enabled in Preferences and requires a restart.
Inkscape 1.4 at a glance
| Feature | What it offers | Setup and maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Gallery | Filter categories, previews, and search | Available from the Filters menu |
| Modular grids | Rectangular modules with adjustable dimensions, gaps, and margins | Configured in Document Properties |
| Unified Font Browser | Searchable and filterable font previews | Experimental; enable in Preferences and restart |
Filter Gallery: browse effects by preview
Open the Filters menu and choose Filter Gallery to browse filter categories, search for an effect, and see previews applied to a colorful flower image. The Inkscape 1.4 release notes describe the gallery as making it easier to find a suitable filter.
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User filters appear under the category specified in the filter file. If no category is supplied, they appear under Personal. Inkscape looks for user filters in a filters folder under its configured user configuration directory. The Filter Gallery is distinct from the Extension Gallery, which helps browse extensions.
Modular grids for layouts and icons
Inkscape 1.4 overhauled the grid controls in Document Properties and added the modular grid type. A modular grid consists of rectangles whose width, height, horizontal gap, and vertical gap can be adjusted separately. You can also set a margin for each module.
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Gaps can be negative, allowing modules to overlap. Negative margin values place the margin inside a module; positive values place it outside. The release notes point to planning layouts and making icons as uses for modular grids.
Set up a modular grid
- Open Document Properties and go to the grid controls.
- Use the grid-type selector to add a modular grid.
- Set the module width and height for the design unit you need.
- Adjust horizontal and vertical gaps, including negative values if modules should overlap.
- Set the margin and choose whether it should sit inside or outside each module.
Axonometric grids use a height-to-width ratio
Inkscape 1.4 also lets you specify axonometric grid angles using a ratio between the height and width of the rhombus. The release notes give 2:1 as a common ratio for isometric games. Entering a ratio can be easier to reproduce than entering an awkward angle value manually.
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Modular grids are general layout tools, not grids limited to isometric design. Axonometric grids serve angled construction, while modular grids help organize rectangular units.
Unified Font Browser: an experimental alternative
The Unified Font Browser is an experimental alternative to the Text and Font dialog. It presents searchable, filterable font previews in a sortable list, with options for row or grid layouts, font collections, preview scaling, sample text, and displaying the font name below each preview. Selecting a font applies it immediately; the Font Attributes and Text tabs remain available.
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Enable the Unified Font Browser
- Open Edit → Preferences.
- Go to Interface → Dialogs.
- Choose Text and Font dialog and activate the Unified Font Browser option.
- Restart Inkscape before using it.
Because the browser is experimental, it should not be treated as a stable replacement for the standard dialog. The release notes state that freshly installed fonts can be used without restarting Inkscape on Linux, but that this was not available on macOS and Windows at the time. That behavior is version- and platform-sensitive, so check your current build and operating system rather than assuming newly installed fonts will appear immediately.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which feature should you use?
| Need | Feature to try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Find an effect by appearance | Filter Gallery | Browse categories, previews, and search |
| Plan a layout or construct icons | Modular grid | Set module dimensions, gaps, and margins |
| Set up isometric-style construction | Axonometric grid | Specify the rhombus height-to-width ratio |
| Compare typefaces visually | Unified Font Browser | Search and filter previews; experimental and requires enabling |
FAQ
When was Inkscape 1.4 released?
Inkscape announced version 1.4 on October 13, 2024. It introduced the Filter Gallery, modular grids, and the experimental Unified Font Browser.
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Where can I find the Filter Gallery?
Open the Filters menu and select Filter Gallery. It includes filter categories, previews, and a search field.
Are modular grids only for isometric design?
No. Modular grids use configurable rectangular modules and are useful for planning layouts and making icons. Axonometric grids are the option for angled or isometric-style construction.
Is the Unified Font Browser enabled by default?
No. It is an experimental alternative to the Text and Font dialog. Enable it in Edit → Preferences → Interface → Dialogs, then restart Inkscape.
Do newly installed fonts appear without restarting Inkscape?
The Inkscape 1.4 release notes describe this behavior for Linux, but say it was not available on macOS and Windows at the time. Check the behavior in your current version and operating system.
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