In this blog post, I will show you multiple ways to deploy Inkscape using Intune. Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor available for GNU/Linux, Windows, and macOS. Packed with a robust set of tools, it is widely used for creating both artistic and technical illustrations, including cartoons, clip art, logos, typography, diagrams, and flowcharts.
Unlike raster graphics, which rely on a fixed number of pixels, Inkscape utilizes vector graphics to produce sharp, high-quality printouts and renderings at any resolution without loss of detail. The software adopts the standardized SVG file format as its default, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications, including web browsers.
In addition to SVG, Inkscape supports importing and exporting various file formats, such as AI, EPS, PDF, PS, and PNG. It boasts a user-friendly interface, extensive features, and multi-lingual support, making it accessible to a global audience. Furthermore, Inkscape is designed to be highly extensible, allowing users to enhance its functionality through customizable add-ons.
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Multiple Ways to Deploy Inkscape
You can deploy Inkscape application on Windows devices using any of the following methods. The easiest and recommended method is to use Microsoft Store app and the MSI Installer app. There are other methods available like Win32 app method, but those are more complex than MSI and MS Store app method. Let’s explore all these methods in more detail in the following sections of the post.
- Deploy Inkscape using MSI Installer (line-of-business app deployment method).
- Deploy Inkscape as Microsoft Store app.
- Deploy Inkscape as Win32 app.
1. Deploy Inkscape using MSI Installer
To download MSI Installer file for Inkscape use the link: https://inkscape.org and click on Downloads option from the menu bar. You can then explore different download options. The web page will automatically direct you to download MSI installer as its the recommended installer for deployment of this app. But you can also download its .exe installer file.
Once the MSI Installer file is downloaded, you can use line-of-business app method of deployment from Intune admin center to deploy this app. The steps are same for deploying any MSI Installer file using Intune, which I have already documented on my blog post: Deploy MSI Applications using Intune. Go through the steps and deploy Inkscape app using MSI.
2. Deploy Inkscape as Microsoft Store app
This is also one of the easiest method to deploy Inkscape application using Intune. Microsoft Store app method provides a software catalog directly on Intune admin center. You can search for the app in the store and deploy it on the Windows devices. Let’s check the steps:
- Sign in to the Intune admin center > Apps > All Apps.
- Click on + Add and Select Microsoft Store app (new) from the App type.
- In the App Information tab, Click on Search the Microsoft Store app (new) to search for any store application.
- Search for Inkscape app and press Enter. Select the app from the search results.
Go through rest of the steps to create the MS Store app deployment for Inkscape app on Intune admin center. I have written a detailed guide on the deployment of Microsoft store app using Intune. Refer to the guide for rest of the steps: Deploy Microsoft Store apps using Intune.
3. Deploy Inkscape as Win32 app
There are two ways in which you can deploy Inkscape as Win32 app. First one is by downloading its .exe installer and using Windows app (Win32) app deployment method to deploy this application. Please note that when you use Win32 app deployment method, you will need to provide Install and Uninstall command for the app and also a detection rule. Therefore, this method is fully customizable and requires more effort.
Second method to deploy Inkscape as Win32 app is by using Enterprise app catalog (requires additional Intune license to use this feature). You can search for Inkscape app in the catalog and deploy the app. All the information regarding Install, Uninstall commands along with the detection rule will be pre-populated for you to make the deployment easier. To deploy app using Enterprise app catalog, Sign in to the Intune admin center > Apps > All Apps > Create. Select Enterprise App Catalog app on the Select app type pane under the Other app types.
Enterprise App Catalog is a collection of prepackaged Win32 apps that have been designed and prepared by Microsoft to support Intune. The catalog contains both Microsoft apps and third-party apps. An Enterprise App Catalog app is a Windows app that you can add via the Enterprise App Catalog in Intune. This app type leverages the Win32 platform and has support for customizable capabilities.
According to Microsoft: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/apps/apps-add-enterprise-app
Monitoring App Deployment Progress
From the Intune admin center > Apps > All apps. Click on the deployment and check the Overview page to show the deployment status.
Sync Intune Policies
The device check-in process might not begin immediately. If you’re testing this policy on a test device, you can manually kickstart Intune sync from the device itself or remotely through the Intune admin center.
Alternatively, you can use PowerShell to force the Intune sync on Windows devices. Restarting the device is another way to trigger the Intune device check-in process.
End User Experience
After the app deployment is completed successfully, you will find an app icon on the desktop and also in the Start menu. You can also verify the app installation using Programs and features or by using Settings app > Apps. Application will be installed silently in the background on the target Windows devices.
