Inkscape & GIMP — Graphics for Advocacy
Inkscape — Vector Graphics
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| Type | Free, open-source vector graphics editor |
| Cost | Free |
| Access | inkscape.org |
| Alternative to | Adobe Illustrator |
| Best for | Maps, diagrams, infographics, signage, route maps |
What You Can Create
- Cycling route maps — clean, printable maps for club rides and advocacy materials
- Infographics — "road space used by 60 cars vs. 60 bikes" visual comparisons
- Signage designs — wayfinding signs for cycling routes
- Presentation diagrams — cross-sections, network maps, before-and-after visuals
- Report graphics — professional charts and diagrams for council submissions
GIMP — Image Editing
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| Type | Free, open-source image editor |
| Cost | Free |
| Access | gimp.org |
| Alternative to | Adobe Photoshop |
| Best for | Photo editing, annotating street photos, overlaying designs on real photos |
What You Can Create
- Annotated street photos — mark problems on real photos (missing sidewalks, dangerous junctions, no bike lanes)
- Before-and-after composites — overlay your design onto a photo of the real street
- Photo documentation — crop, adjust, and label photos for street audits and advocacy reports
- Social media graphics — eye-catching posts for cycling campaigns
Using Them Together
- Document — photograph a street or public space with your phone
- Edit — use GIMP to annotate problems and adjust the photo
- Design — use Inkscape to create a clean diagram of your proposed changes
- Present — combine both into a compelling before-and-after for your councillor
Why This Matters for She Cycles
Professional-looking advocacy materials are taken seriously. These free tools let you create council-quality documents without paying for Adobe software.
See Also