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

Defining layers and how to create them

Within Inkscape when you create documents you can have layers of objects. This gives great flexibility when creating any Inkscape project. You can place groups of objects on a layer based on function or placement on the design. Then you can separate the objects by layer, and stack or reorder, or hide layers. A setting can be adjusted on each layer, so you can save drafts or different versions of mockups and keep all of this in one file.

The layer you are currently using is called the drawing layer. It is selected in the Layer dialog and shown in a darker color.

Also note, you can view Inkscape layers in the Layer dialog or in a drop-down menu in the status bar:

Defining layers and how to create them