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

Time for action — making an arc

Now, we will take our circle and convert it into an arc.

  1. Make sure that the Circle/Ellipse tool is still selected and you can see the handles on the shape on the canvas.
    Time for action — making an arc

    Notice, there are three handles which are top (square), left (square), and right (circle). To control the horizontal and vertical dimensions, you use the top (horizontal) and left (vertical) handles.

    Dragging the right circle handle of a whole ellipse creates an arc or segment.

    To switch between an arc or pie segment, drag the handle inside or outside of the ellipse. Let's give it a try.

  2. Drag an arc handle (the circle one) to set one end of the arc. Once you pull or drag one of the arc handles, you will see that there are actually two overlapping arc handles for you to manipulate. (as shown in the following screenshot, this is now a closed path).
    Time for action — making an arc

    Drag the second arc handle (in the original position) to the other end of the arc, The arc will be closed and a pie shape will be created...