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 — clipping objects

Let's build out our triangle object and create a tree that has a pattern of leaves in it:

  1. Open your triangle Inkscape file.
  2. Use the Bezier tool and create a rectangular shape below your triangle, as shown in the following diagram:
    Time for action — clipping objects
  3. Remember if you don't get the lines exactly right the first time, select the Edit Paths by Nodes tool and adjust by dragging the nodes to the appropriate locations.
  4. Draw another rectangular object below the previous one, as shown in the following diagram:
    Time for action — clipping objects
  5. And draw the final rectangle below the last one as follows:
    Time for action — clipping objects
  6. Now we are going to focus on making the left sides of the three rectangular objects more rounded and smooth. Select the first rectangle and choose the Edit Paths by Nodes tool.
  7. Add a node on the left side of that rectangular object:
    Time for action — clipping objects
  8. Select the smooth node option from the control bar:
    Time for action — clipping objects
  9. Your left side will now become a curve, as shown in the following diagram:
    Time for action — clipping objects
  10. Repeat, adding a node and smoothing the left side of...