Book Image

Inkscape Beginner's Guide

By : Bethany Hiitola
Book Image

Inkscape Beginner's Guide

By: Bethany Hiitola

Overview of this book

Learning to use Inkscape, an exciting open-source vector graphics program, broadens your software toolkit as a graphic designer. Using practical, real-world examples, you'll learn everything about the software and its capabilities so you'll be able to design anything from logos to websites.Inkscape Beginner's Guide is a practical step-by-step guide for learning this exciting vector graphics software. Not only will it take you through each menu item and toolbar, but you will also learn about creating complex shapes, text styling, filters, working with images, extensions, and the XML editoróall using real world examples.The book starts with an overview of vector graphics and how best to use them when designing for digital and print mediums. Then we install Inkscape and start learning all the ins and outs of the software. You'll build your first vector graphic while learning best practices for using layers, and build simple and complex objects with shapes and paths that will ultimately become exciting graphics to be used in your designs. Beyond designing sample logos and brochures while learning the software, you'll also learn how to use filters, install and use extensions, and the ins-and-outs of SVG and the XML Editor in Inkscape.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
14
B. Keyboard Shortcuts
15
C. Glossary of Terms
17
Index

Chapter 8. How to Style Text

The idea of text styling is to manipulate text so that it creates a certain feel when seen in an overall design. In the graphic design world, text styling is called typography and is a form of typesetting. Compare the look and feel (or design) of your local newspaper with that of children's magazines or start comparing web designs of the same—a newspaper site or a children's television network and compare it to a sports website. As seen, text is an important element in design.

Let's use this chapter to learn more about how we can manipulate and style text for any design. Here's what we will cover:

  • Text and font editor
  • Using paths and text
  • Text and frames
  • Spell check and find/replace
  • Text effects
  • Using text reflections