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 — moving layers

We're again going to use our blog design mockup file as an example. As the current screen stands, the layers don't overlap much—as all objects have a place. However, if we add a layer for a swirled background, it automatically places this layer on top, shown as follows:

Time for action — moving layers

The following steps explain how to move it down to place it behind the main design:

  1. Download a sample of the swirl background here: http://dl.dropbox.co/u/565455/swirlbackground.svg.zip
  2. In inkscape, in the layer dialog, add a new layer called Swirl Background.
  3. Select the Swirl Background layer, and from the main menu choose File | Import. Select the Swirl Background SVG file.
  4. Once the image is imported, select Swirl Background in the Layer dialog and use the arrow icon to move this layer just above the Background layer.
    Time for action — moving layers
  5. You could also use the move to bottom icon (just to the right of the move down icon)—since our background was set to white in the document properties...