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 — downloading Inkscape

In a few simple steps, you will be able to download Inkscape 0.48 from the Internet and install it on your computer:

  1. Go to the official Inkscape website at http://www.inkscape.org/ and download the appropriate version of the software for your computer.
  2. Double-click the downloaded Inkscape installation package to start the installation.

    Note

    For the Mac OS, a DMG file is downloaded. Double-click it and then drag-and-drop the Inkscape package to the Application folder. For any Windows device, a .exe file is downloaded. Double-click that file to start and and continue to complete the installation. For Linux-based computers, there are a number of distributions available. Be sure to download and install the correct installation package for your system.

  3. Find the Inkscape icon in the Application or Programs folder. It should look like the following icon:
    Time for action — downloading Inkscape
  4. If you see this icon, you have a successful installation. Now it is time to open Inkscape for the first...