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

Creating new files

As previously, stated when you first open Inkscape, a new document is opened and ready to start. However, it uses a default size of A4. You will likely need a whole array of other sizes for print, web design, or even custom sizes. Here's how to access all of the predefined document dimensions Inkscape offers and details on how to adjust them manually for your needs.

Using predefined-sized document dimensions

To see all predefined document dimensions Inkscape has to offer, go the main menu and choose File and then New.

Using predefined-sized document dimensions

Inkscape has many predefined sizes already generated for you.

For web design, you can choose from the following:

  • Desktops with sizes 1024 x 768, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, or 800 x 600
  • Web banners with sizes 468 x 60 or 728 x 90
  • Icon sizes ranging from 16 x 16, 32 x 32, and 48 x 48

For print, there are many sizes you can choose from:

  • Letters: Standard US, A4
  • Business card sizes: 84 x 54mm, 90 X 50mm
  • CD Cover_300dpi: 343 X 340
  • CD label: 120x120
  • DVD covers: Regular...