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 — kerning text

Here's how to kern text that already exists on your canvas:

  1. First, double-click some text you have already entered in an open project. This will take you into the Create and Edit Text tool, allowing you to edit the text letter-by-letter.
  2. Using the arrow keys, move the cursor between the two letters you want to add or diminish space between.
    Time for action — kerning text
  3. Then, press the Alt + right arrow key to add space between the letters. Alternatively, press the Alt + left arrow key to lessen the space between those two letters. Keep an eye on the kerning value in the Tool control bar A | A. It is set in pixels and displays fractions of the value of space between the letters.
    Time for action — kerning text
  4. Alternatively, if you want to move individual (or multiple) characters up and down—just move your cursor near the letter (or letters) you want to move vertically.
  5. Select the letter(s) by using the Shift key and the right/left arrows or drag your mouse over the character(s) you want to edit.
  6. Then press...