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 — viewing the Grid

We will start with the easiest task, turning the Grid on (or making it viewable).

  1. With your new document still open on your computer, on the Inkscape main menu select View | Grid:
    Time for action — viewing the Grid

What just happened?

You'll see that a blue grid will appear across the entire canvas area. We will use these grids to create basic areas of our layout and then create guides to begin creating our actual layout elements.

Have a go hero — changing the unit of measure

By default, Inkscape keeps all dimensions—even the unit of measure—in pixels. Do you want your grid to be in inches? There is an easy way to do this.

  1. Go to the main menu, choose File | Document Properties. You'll see the Document Properties window displayed.
    Have a go hero — changing the unit of measure
  2. Change the Units field to in (Inches). This will change the grid, the canvas dimensions, and all units of measure to inches in this document.
    Have a go hero — changing the unit of measure

Pop quiz — viewable grid

  1. What is the shortcut key for making Grids viewable in Inkscape...