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

Chapter 5. How to Work with Layers

If you have used any other graphics program, you are likely to be familiar with layers. Layers are like stacks of transparent paper with drawings on them. Each layer stacks, and thus objects on each of the layers also stack on top of one another. Of course when using layers in Inkscape, you can manipulate all of the objects in one layer the same way.

This chapter will cover:

  • Defining layers and how to create them
  • Using layers in an example drawing
  • Locking layers
  • Hiding layers
  • Dockable Layer dialog
  • Duplicating layers
  • Arranging layers
  • Renaming layers
  • Deleting layers
  • Blend mode