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 spent the majority of this chapter discussing how to create new files in Inkscape. You learned how to use predefined page/canvas sizes in Inkscape, how to customize the file size, and even how to create print bleeds and the setup for print-safe space on your documents.

Then we jumped into saving Inkscape files—paying close attention to discuss the advantages of keeping a source version of all documents in Inkscape's native file format of SVG, so you can continue to edit your files. Along with that topic, we jumped into managing multiple file projects and best practices, the details regarding which formats in which Inkscape can save, as well as importing file types. Finally, we talked about embedding and linking files and images in your Inkscape files. We detailed the advantages and disadvantages of each approach as well as how to work with both in your files for the best experience.

All of this is leading up to the next chapter, which deals with starting your very first...