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

Saving Inkscape files

As you begin working on your projects, it is always good practice to save files often. Inkscape has a number of save options, in a number of formats, as well as ways to export into other common file formats.

By default, Inkscape typically saves files to your main documents folder. However, you are given an option to change this during the saving process each and every time you save a file.

Saving in Inkscape SVG

By default, Inkscape files are saved as SVG files. The native Inkscape SVG format allows editing at a later time. If file size is a concern, you can also save in the Inkscape-compressed format of SVGZ and you will have no issues editing the file and resaving it for future use.

Inkscape can save as SVG, SVGZ, PDF, PostScript/EPS/EPSi, Adobe Illustrator (*.ai), LaTex (*.tex), POVRay (*.pov), HPGL, and others. This is important because you can share files with others, which they are able to then open and manipulate.

If you work in web design, note that it is possible...