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

Summary

We started this chapter by talking at a high level about Inkscape 0.48 and what you can do with it. We then jumped right into learning how to download Inkscape, detailed descriptions about how to install the software, and discussed all the main areas of the screen when opening it for the first time. We even talked a little bit about how to troubleshoot the Inkscape installation and where to find the best information about the software—no matter what your issue.

After opening our first document, we talked about changing the document properties and the value of scrolling, panning, and zooming. We even jumped into learning the basics of the software that will be key in starting our very own project. This is where we will start with Chapter 3, How to Manage your Files. Get ready to learn how to set up a project and get started!