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 — using the Fill and Stroke dialog

Let's open the dialog and get started:

  1. Open your triangle Inkscape file again and select the triangle.
  2. From the main menu, choose Object | Fill and Stroke (or use the Shift + Ctrl + F keyboard shortcut).
    Time for action — using the Fill and Stroke dialog
  3. The Fill and Stroke dialog appears on the right-hand side of your screen. Notice it has three tabs: Fill, Stroke paint, and Stroke style, as shown in the following screenshot:
    Time for action — using the Fill and Stroke dialog
  4. Select the Fill tab (if not already selected). Here are the options for fill:
    • Type of fill: The buttons below the Fill tab allow you to select the type of fill you would like to use. No fill (the button with the X), flat color, linear or radial gradients. In the previous example screenshot, the flat fill button is selected.
    • Color picker: Another set of tabs below the type of the fill area are presented; RGB, CMYK, HSL, and Wheel. You can use any of these to choose a color. The most intuitive option is Wheel as it allows you to visually see all the colors and...