Chapter 21. Using the Command Line

Updated for v0.46.

Inkscape has the ability to batch process SVG files without opening up the Graphics User Interface (GUI). The available options can be divided into a few categories: general commands, exporting commands (including printing), and query commands.

Most Inkscape commands are attached to verbs. Any verb can be called from the command line with the --verb argument, allowing complex processing to take place. However, it is not possible to set parameters. A list of all verbs can be obtained using --verb-list. It does not appear possible to suppress the GUI when using the --verb.

Here is a simple example of opening a file, selecting an object, flipping it, and then saving the file. The Star has an id

Get Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program, Second Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.