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 — placing text in a closed shape

Let's walk through an example of how to place the words "Twinkle, twinkle little star" into a star object:

  1. First create a star in a new Inkscape document.
  2. Select the Create and Edit Text tool from the toolbox and type the text onto the canvas.
    Time for action — placing text in a closed shape
  3. Select both the text and the star. Then from the main menu, choose Text and then Flow into Frame. Instantly, you'll see that the text is placed, as best as it can be, within the confines of the shape.
    Time for action — placing text in a closed shape
  4. Feel free to manipulate the text to make it look just right, even changing color, kerning, and spacing if needed. Similarly you can change the color, stroke, and position of the shape to see how the text reacts as well as the impact on the overall design.
    Time for action — placing text in a closed shape
  5. If you ever want to remove the text from the shape, from the main menu, choose Text and then Unflow.
  6. Save the file in the Inkscape SVG format if you plan to use this file in any future projects!

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