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

Time for action — using the Open Clip Art Library (Mac users only)

Here's how it works:

  1. In an open Inkscape project, from the main menu, choose File and then Import From Open Clip Art Library.
  2. In the Import From Open Clip Art Library dialog box, in the Search for: field, enter a keyword to describe the clip art you want to place in the document and click Search, as shown in the following screenshot:
    Time for action — using the Open Clip Art Library (Mac users only)

    Inkscape then connects to the Open Clip Art Library website. Previews of files are shown in a window on the right-hand side of the dialog.

  3. Try other keyword searches until you find one you like and then double-click the name of the image to place it in the document.

What just happened?

You opened the Open Clip Art Library via Inkscape, searched for a clip art image, and placed it on an Inkscape canvas.

The clip art library can be useful in a number of ways:

  • It allows for free use of a number of images that you may like to use in a web design mockup, for placement or for end use.
  • You can...