sK1 Project is an open source vector graphics application designed for prepress professionals who need CMYK color separation, ICC profile management, and print-ready output on Linux.
The Problem
CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator dominate print prepress workflows but run only on Windows or macOS. Linux-based prepress studios and print shops have limited options: Inkscape supports SVG well but lacks CMYK color separation, and commercial tools require Windows VMs or emulation layers that introduce workflow friction and license costs.
How sK1 Solves It
sK1 provides CMYK color mode with ICC profile support for accurate color rendering across monitors and print devices. It handles vector editing, PDF import/export, and PostScript output natively on Linux. The application targets production-grade print workflows rather than general illustration. LGPL-3.0 licensed.
Key Features
- CMYK color mode with ICC color profile management for accurate print color reproduction
- Professional PDF import/export with preserved vector paths and color separations
- PostScript output for direct compatibility with RIP software and commercial print workflows
- Vector editing tools: nodes, paths, gradients, and text on a path
- Runs natively on Linux with no Windows emulation required
- LGPL-3.0 license: free to use and modify, even in commercial print shops
Who It's For
sK1 is best for prepress technicians and print production professionals working on Linux who need CMYK-accurate vector output for commercial printing. It is particularly valuable for studios committed to an open-source Linux workflow end to end.
Compared to CorelDRAW
Unlike CorelDRAW, sK1 runs natively on Linux and is completely free. CorelDRAW has a deeper feature set and better UI polish for general illustration, but sK1 covers the core prepress workflow including CMYK separation and ICC profiles that Linux users cannot get from Inkscape alone.
