Version 0.91 of Inkscape was released this week and the new version of this open-source vector-based graphics program has some exciting changes.

Inkscape 0.91 has gone through a C++ code conversion, now uses Cairo rendering for display and PNG export, OpenMP multi-threading for all filters, a new measure tool, type design features, cross-platform WMF and EMF import/export, improved support for Corel DRAW and Visio, various usability improvements, and a number of bug-fixes.

The new Cairo-based renderer is said to be much faster for most drawings, automatic caching of complex objects is another performance win, OpenMP yields better filter performance for multi-core systems, there's also responsiveness improvements, and various other renderer / performance improvements.

More details on Inkscape 0.91 can be found via Inkscape.org.