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

Embedding and linking image files

When you import files into Inkscape, you are prompted about linking or embedding them. Linking a file means that the file is essentially displayed within your Inkscape document and there are associated properties (location, size, and so on) to that linked object. The original file must remain in the exact location on your computer or you will not be able to view it in the Inkscape file and any changes you make to the original file will be seen in the Inkscape file.

Embedding a file means that the file itself is brought into the Inkscape document and it resides there. All changes made to that file within your project stay within your project and the original source file can be moved to any location on your computer.

The advantage to embedding images is that they are not tied to the original source. You can move the source file or the Inkscape file anywhere on your computer or even send a co-worker the Inkscape file and there is no need to worry about the...