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 — creating a reflection

In this example, we're aiming to create a simple text heading that has a reflection below it and then to add a little something special (but very simple) to the text to make it stand apart with very few additional effects. Here's what we'll create:

Time for action — creating a reflection
  1. Open a new document in Inkscape, create a text box, and enter some text. In our example, we'll use the word: REFLECTIONS.
    Time for action — creating a reflection
  2. Next, we are going to clone the image. From the main menu, select Edit, Clone, and then Create Clone.
    Time for action — creating a reflection
  3. Now we need to flip the cloned image vertically to create the basics for our reflection. An easy way to do this is to press the V key (or from the main menu, select Object and then Flip Vertically).
  4. Move the flipped image below the original text.
    Time for action — creating a reflection
  5. From the toolbox, select the rectangle tool and create a rectangle that covers the reflected (or cloned) image.
    Time for action — creating a reflection
  6. Now we need to set a gradient on this rectangle. To start, make sure to set the fill to black.
  7. Click the gradient...