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 Stella has an id of «MyStar».

inkscape --select=MyStar --verb ObjectFlipVertically --verb FileSave --verb FileClose MyStar.svg

The file before running the above command.

The file after running the above command.

Most options have two forms: a short form preceded by one dash and a long form proceeded by two dashes. Some options take parameters that can (usually) either be attached to the option with an = sign (e.g., --export-png=my.png) or separated by a space (e.g., --export-png my.png).