Inkscape is a vector drawing program with lots of tools that let you create images that are smooth and scalable. Vectors allow the graphics software to see the object as a path rather than just a collection of dots or pixels.
File Formats
The native file format in Inkscape is SVG, which stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. Vectors enable an object to be rendered as smooth no matter how large you make it (unlike a bitmap format, which can look distorted and blurry when it is made too large). Other software that support this format include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Xara Xtreme, Microsoft Visio, The GIMP and OpenOffice.org Draw.
Tools, Menus and the Command Bar
The tool bars and menus of Inkscape
The toolbox appears on the left-hand side of the Inkscape window. Use the arrow to select objects. The next tool is used to edit paths using nodes, then comes the tweak tool and the zoom tool. The next eight tools draw items: rectangles, three-dimensional objects, circles and ellipses, special shapes like stars and octagons, a spiral path, freehand, a bezier curve and the calligraphy tool. Then comes the tool that looks like a bold letter A, and lets you type text. After that comes the paint bucket, the connections tool, the gradient tool and the eye dropper, which lets you grab a color from a drawing. The menu bar and the command bar, which are the icons under the menu bar, have items relating to managing files and views and manipulating objects. The tool controls bar is below the command bar and changes to show attributes associated with the tool you are currently using.
Using the Tools
Editing nodes: transforming a circle into a heart using the node handles in Inkscape
The tools give you powerful control over what you want to draw. You can draw an object using the freehand tool, then select and edit it by moving around the nodes. Nodes are points along a vector curve that let you adjust the curve in various ways. They can be smooth like a curve, or they can be a corner that comes to a point. But if you're not comfortable just drawing, that's really where the value of vectors comes in. Draw a shape using one of the preset shape tools. For instance, if you want to draw a heart, start with a circle and rearrange the nodes to make it a heart.
Layers and Gradients
Put each object on a separate layer so you can manipulate them individually. Think of the layers as sheets of paper, except that they have transparent areas. Rearrange the order to bring things to the front or send them to the back. Give items a different look by filling them with a gradient (a blending of colors where the area fades from one color gradually into the other color). Gradients can be used to show depth, such as giving a ball a round look by shading the edges darker than the middle.
Beyond the Basics
Inkscape's many capabilities are further explained in the Resources below, which can also help you learn the finer points of editing nodes and vector curves. Follow a tutorial step by step to learn some tips, or use the manuals to look up information on topics where you are unclear.
Inkscape is a free, multi-platform drawing application for creating illustrations and graphics. It is vector-based, so drawings can be easily modified. Inkscape features drawing pens, brushes, shapes and sculpting tools. With Inkscape, you can import, use and save a wide variety of vector formats.
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Getting Started
When Inkscape launches, it automatically opens a new document. Modify the art board size by selecting "File" and "Document Properties." Choose from standard formats in the "Page size" menu, or set a "Custom size." The art board updates automatically as you make the changes.
Pens and Paintbrushes
Pens and paintbrushes are tools you can use to paint or draw freehand. Click the "Draw freehand lines" tool button and scribble on the art board. In the lower left corner of the screen, click the color block next to "Stroke" to open the "Fill and Stroke" panel. On this panel, change the line color (the "Wheel" tab is the easiest color picker to use). Click the "Stroke style" tab and experiment with the stroke style properties.
Click the "Draw calligraphic or brush strokes" tool in the Tool Box. Note the new Tool Controls tool bar appeared above the art board. This tool bar allows you to set various paintbrush settings, such as width, thinning, tremor and wiggle. Scribble on the art board, change one of the settings and scribble some more to see how the different values change the stroke. On the "Fill and Stroke" panel, change the Blur under the "Stroke style" tab to give the stroke a painterly effect.
Shapes
Click the "Create rectangles and squares" tool, and click-and-drag on the art board to draw a rectangle. Repeat with the "Create 3D boxes," "Create circles, ellipses, and arc," "Create stars and polygons," and "Create spirals" tools. Each of these tools has a Tool Controls tool bar above the art board that changes the individual shape settings. Experiment with the settings to see how changing each changes the appearance of the shape. Use the "Fill and Stroke" panel to change the colors and stroke style.
Tweak Tool
The "Tweak objects by sculpting or painting" lets you reshape an object (a path or shape) by nudging, pulling or painting the object. Activate an object by clicking the "Select and transform objects" tool, then clicking on an object. Click on the "Tweak tool." The selection box around the object will disappear so it does not obscure your view. Click-and-drag in a motion like you are pushing against the object to change the shape of the object. Try the different modes and other settings on the Tool Control tool bar to see how these settings change the behavior of the tool.
Learn More
Inkscape is a powerful drawing application with many more features and tools. Click "Help" and "Inkscape Manual" to go to the online manual for Inkscape. On the site, you can download a PDF version of the manual or purchase a printed copy. In Inkscape, click "Help" and "Tutorials" to access several built-in, hands-on tutorials.
According to the program’s official website, Inkscape is a scalable vector graphics editor for Windows and Mac platforms. This software manipulates graphic images composed of line, curve and polygon-based geometric shapes. Though it’s a free tool, Inkscape includes many advanced features, such as markers, clones and alpha blending. As such, users might find it helpful to have tips at their disposal. For beginners, Inkscape’s website hosts a variety of user tutorials.
Hot Keys
Keyboard strokes accomplish some tasks quicker than mouse selections.
Inkscape employs numerous hot keys, which means that a number of quick keystrokes serve as shortcuts to perform common tasks within the program. For instance, hitting “Control” and “G” at the same time groups onscreen items. Similarly, “Control-Shift-G” un-groups items. Create a square quickly by hitting “F4,” or a circle with “F5.” Create polygons by simply pressing the asterisk (“*”) key, and transform them with “F1.” Learning and employing these and other hot keys will improve speed and efficiency throughout the Inkscape user’s process.
Color Schemes
To choose an effective color scheme, familiarize yourself with the color wheel.
As Inkscape is a graphic design software tool used to create projects such as illustrations, charts and diagrams, users should keep complementary schemes in mind when using colors. Software development and engineering website Ioncannon presents a series of useful tips for making presentable diagrams in Inkscape, in which they provide color scheme tips. Ioncannon suggests selecting a color scheme pleasing to the eye; websites such as Colour Lovers, Color Scheme Designer and Color Blender offer free inspiration. Use colors that complement each other; warm colors go with other warm colors and cool colors with other cool colors. Good combinations have hues and saturation levels that accent each other rather than clash. Monochromatic color schemes employ one color with a variety of hues while analogous color schemes contain similar complementary warm and cool color groups. Split color schemes employ one color and two colors adjacent to it on the color wheel, while triadic and tetradic schemes use three and four opposing colors, respectively.
Customization
In an article at IT World, Inkscape creator Dmitry Kirsanov gives Inkscape tips straight from the horse’s mouth. He encourages users to take advantage of Inkscape’s customization options, playing on the program’s flexibility. According to Kirsanov, every object in Inkscape can be moved, modified or deleted separately from all other objects, allowing users to experiment without risk. Taking an experimental path may lead to new solutions or unexpected pleasing compositions. When experimenting, save previous paths so that you can return to them if new paths are unsatisfactory. Use layers to maintain separation between objects. Take advantage of Inkscape’s flexible user interface; make your own markers and use the side of the screen as a scratch pad before exporting the test drawing to the final image.
Vector-based graphic design programs are useful for creating illustrations. These programs mimic the process of drawing with a pen or pencil. It is similar to drawing on paper, except you're using computer software. Inkscape is a vector-based image editor that allows you to create and edit vector images. There are several programs that are similar to Inkscape, each with different features.
Canvas 11
Canvas 11 is the 11th edition of the software by ACD Systems International Inc. The software allows amateur and professional designers to draw graphics and illustrations. Web and print publishing tools also are included. According to the ACD Systems International Inc. website, Canvas 11 gives users an efficient way to create, edit and share content. Popular uses for Canvas 11 include creating illustrations, animations, publications and websites. Canvas 11 can only be used with the Windows operating system.
Adobe Illustrator CS5
Adobe Illustrator CS5 is a popular program among amateur and professional designers. The software is the 15th release in Adobe System's Illustrator series. It is often the program of choice for creating logos and graphics for advertising and product packaging. According to Adobe's website, the software contains drawing tools for creating vector artwork. In addition to a selection of paintbrushes, the software contains shapes and a pen-drawing tool. It also allows you to use special effects such as drop shadows and textures. Adobe Illustrator CS5 is available for Windows and Macintosh systems.
CorelDraw Graphics Suite X5
CorelDraw Graphics Suite X5 is Corel Corporation's 15th version of the CorelDraw software. According to Corel's website, the software is good for projects such as creating vector illustrations, editing photos and creating website graphics. A selection of fonts, clip art and royalty-free images are included. The software also allows users to work with a variety of different file formats, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher and PDF files. CorelDraw Graphics Suite X5 is available for Windows only.
Lineform
Lineform is a vector-based drawing program for Mac. The program is a Freeverse creation, and has features such as Bzier editing, which allows the reshaping of drawings in a number of different ways. A pen tool and a brush tool are also available for drawing life-like images. According to the Freeverse website, T-shirt designs, posters and logos are examples of projects created with Lineform.
Inkscape is an open source graphics software equivalent to Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw or Xara X. Inkscape uses the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format and supports advanced features such as markers, clones and alpha blending. As Inkscape is designed for vector graphics such as logos, it features many functions that can be used to add special effects to text.
Typing and Resizing Text
The "T" icon in the left-hand toolbar makes it easy to add text to an Inkscape document. Drag the mouse in the document area to create a text box if you want to add paragraph text, or simply click once in the same area and start typing to create scalable text. Use the arrow marker to resize and shape the text, making it larger, thinner, thicker or wider to your liking.
3-D Effects
3-D Text effects are achieved in Inkscape by using multiple text layers. If you want to make text look three-dimensional, simply copy the text layer and paste the duplicate layer on top of it. Give the second layer another color using the palette at the bottom of the screen and place it slightly off-center to create a feeling of depth. Add color gradients through the "Fill and Stroke" tool to the text to enhance the 3-D effect.
Mirror Effect
The mirror effect also can be achieved by simply duplicating the text layer. Use your mouse to flip the duplicate layer by clicking and dragging the top part into the opposite direction of the original text. Double-click on this "flipped" layer to display the rotate and skew arrows. Use the middle arrows to skew the text until you are satisfied with the end result. Add color gradients through the "Fill and Stroke" tool to make this mirror image appear even more realistic.
Curved Effects
The "Text on Path" tool enables Inkscape users to create curved text effects. Use the "Draw Bezier" tool in the left toolbar to create a curved shape. Select the "T" icon and type your text separately. Select both the text layer and the curve by keeping the "Shift" button down and clicking on each object. Select "Text" in the top-toolbar and click on "Put to Path." The text will now flow with the curved shape.
Filters
Inkscape's "Filters" feature will allow you to create a wide range of interesting text effects, ranging from textures to bevels to drop shadows and chrome effects. Simply select your text and click on the "Filters" menu from the top toolbar. Click on different filters to apply and view each effect. Click "Remove Filters" before selecting a different filter effect. It is possible to add more than one filter to the same object, but this will slow down the program considerably and not necessarily create the desired effect.
Vector graphics enable you to create images using lines, shapes, colors and gradients that can be enlarged or shrunken without any degradation in quality. This makes using vector graphics ideal for a task such as designing a logo. Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor equipped with filter effects that can be used to quickly alter the appearance of your image. Filter effects require some experimentation to fully understand and appreciate, but some of the basic effects are fairly intuitive.
Diffuse Lighting
Light reflecting off rough or uneven surfaces is known as "diffuse" lighting. This filter gives your image a sense of texture. The filter's dialog box allows you to select the color of the light ("Diffuse Color"), the difference between the peaks and valleys of the object's surface ("Surface Scale"), the strength of the light source ("Constant"), as well as the type of light source ("Light Source"). When this filter effect is applied, the resulting image is opaque.
Specular Lighting
Light reflecting off a smooth surface is known as "specular" lighting. This filter effect gives the impression of a mirror-like surface. The settings for specular lighting are mostly similar to diffuse lighting, except for the "Exponent" parameter. This parameter sets the object's "shine." The higher the value employed, the shinier the object will appear. When this filter effect is applied, the resulting image has varying opacity, becoming fully opaque only in areas where specular highlights fall.
Compositing
Say you have two images, A and B, that overlap. "A over B" specifies that A covers B. "In" mode specifies that only that part of A that covers B should be displayed. "Out" mode specifies that only that part of A that does not cover B should be displayed. "Atop" mode specifies that only B and the part of A that covers B should be displayed. "Xor" mode specifies that only the parts of A and B that do not overlap should be displayed.
Color Matrix
This is useful for turning a color image into black-and-white or sepia and for removing a specific color from an image. The matrix itself is four-by-four columns representing red, green, blue and alpha (opacity) input values. Each row represents a specified amount by which each input color value is multiplied to get the output value. For example, if the first value is "0.35," that tells the filter to multiply the "red" value of each pixel in the image by 0.35.
Inkscape is a vector graphics program, producing files that store only information on the components that make up the graphic, instead of recording the information for every pixel. Inkscape's main file format is SVG, or Scalable Vector Graphics, a format that represents vector graphics components as text. Most browsers, except Internet Explorer, can read SVG files. Inkscape also can read from and export to bitmap image files.
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SVG
Scalable Vector Graphics refers to a family of XML-based vector graphics formats. It is based on an open standard developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. SVG stores all information about the objects in the file in XML format, which is a text-based format that uses tag and attribute notation to record information about an object. When rendered by a program or browser, SVG files can be scaled up smoothly with no pixelation, which is a side effect of using a bitmap image format.
PNG
Inkscape can both import and export PNG files. PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. These files use lossless compression to achieve smaller file sizes than an uncompressed bitmap without the loss of image data. They support full and partial transparency just like Inkscape files do. This makes them an ideal export format. When converting a vector graphics file to PNG, an artist can select part of an image or the entire layout to export.
Other Vector
Inkscape can import other vector image files, such as alternative SVG implementations by other programs. It can also recognize proprietary file formats of these graphics programs, such as Adobe Illustrator files. CorelDraw formats are also supported by Inkscape, as are components from non-drawing programs such as AutoCad and WordPerfect. Inkscape can even import GIMP gradients as vector objects. Finally, Inkscape can import metafiles, e.g. Windows Metafile files. Metafiles contain both vector and bitmap elements.
Other Bitmap
Though it is not a bitmap editing program, Inkscape can import bitmap file formats such as JPG images, GIF files and Windows Bitmap images. After importing them into Inkscape, designers can apply a filter to the image such as a Gaussian blur or a color emboss. Alternatively, they can convert the bitmap into a vector image by using the "Trace Bitmap" tool. This converts a bitmap image to a series of lines or shaped layers, although it also introduces blemishes in the converted components if the source's image quality is poor.
Inkscape is a free, open-source program for creating vector graphics and icons. It contains many options that can be confusing for a neophyte to first learn, but then become easy and automatic with experience. Most of your actions while using the programs will consist of the same set of functions applied in different contexts: learn these functions, and the rest of the interface will click into place.
Use the Whole Interface
Inkscape's interface is powerful and simple to use. Use the middle mouse scroll wheel to zoom and scroll. Moving the scroll wheel up zooms in; moving it down zooms out. If you press the button, you can grab and pan the view. Pay attention to the displays and tool tips. Tool tips appear when your mouse cursor holds over a tool's icon. Clicking it will display the tool's basic use at the bottom of the screen, as well as how to use the subfunctions of the button. As you move the mouse, it will give you more information.
Save effort with Duplicate, Clone and Copy/Paste functions
Duplicate -- Ctrl + D on a standard keyboard -- is the most important function in Inkscape. It creates copies of all selected objects. You can also clone objects with Alt + D, which creates a duplicate linked to the original. All changes made to the original will be happen on the clone. Finally, take note of the expanded copy and paste functions in Inkscape. Ctrl+Alt+V will paste an object in the same place it was copied or cut from, which is useful when you want to edit an object underneath the topmost object: just cut with Ctrl-X, edit the object below, and use Ctrl+Alt+V to put the object back. Shift+Ctrl+V will paste the style information from the clipboard object, such as borders, fill, and transparency information.
Remember: Simple is Better
Make complex shapes out of simple shapes with the Union and Difference functions. For instance, you can make an arrow with just two squares in three steps: first, rotate one square 45 degrees to the left and place it on top of the other square. Convert the top square into a path, and then delete the bottom node to turn it into a triangle. Finally, use "Union" to merge the square and the triangle into an arrow.
Learn Inkscape One Function at a Time
Try out unfamiliar functions periodically; if you find yourself thinking that it would be easy to make a particular function mathematically, chances are it's already been made into a plugin. For instance, you can make 3D-looking shapes by using the extrude function. Or you can make a 2D image look as if it's been folded around a 3D object by using the envelope deform. These plug-ins achieve complex effects in very few clicks.
Use Objects Whenever Possible, Rather Than Paths
While path manipulation is necessary for complex effects, it is best to delay the conversion from object to path as soon as possible. This is because objects are easier to change the parameters of. This is especially true of polygons and stars -- once you convert them into paths, it is harder to add more sides or points.
Ghostscript is a software suite that functions as an interpreter for Adobe Post Script and PDF page-description languages. Available as free software under general public license, Ghostscript also supplies a set of basic PostScript fonts as well as a collection of miscellaneous fonts including alphabets and symbol sets, such as Cyrillic and Kana. An earlier version of Ghostscript, AFPL Ghostscript, is no longer in use.
Ghostscript Functions
Currently owned and maintained by Artifex Software, Ghostscript was originally developed in the late 1990s. Although originally developed for use in DOS systems, current versions of Ghostscript can be ported to numerous operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Ghostscript is generally a free download, but it can also be licensed for a fee for some proprietary projects.
Ghostscript Fonts
All Ghostscript versions include a font package loaded along with the software. AFPL (Aladdin Free Public License) Ghostscript, in use until 2006, included a basic set of PostScript fonts that largely duplicated those available in standard word-processing programs, but also included additional character sets for non-Latin alphabets and other symbols. Running Ghostscript requires installation of the font package as well as the EXE and initialization files for the program.
AFPL Ghostscript
Between 2000 and 2006, AFPL Ghostscript was at the leading edge of Ghostscript development. In spite of its name, AFPL was not a completely free license, in that it restricted commercial use of the software. In 2006, AFPL Ghostscript, along with its font package, was discontinued, and a new generation of Ghostscript was developed under the general public license.
Post-AFPL Ghostscript
Although AFPL Ghostscript has been abandoned, its core features remain in Ghostscript's post-2006 GPL versions. Since Ghostscript is an open-source application in ongoing development, support for its earlier formats, including AFPL Ghostscript, remains available through user communities and forums. However, AFPL Ghostscript and its fonts are not compatible with newer Windows, Macintosh and other operating systems.
Open Inkscape on your computer.
Create a new Inkscape drawing by clicking on "File" and "New" on the menu bar. Open a previous image by selecting "File" and "Open." Select the file location for the old image you want to open.
Begin drawing by clicking on the toolbar on the left-hand side. The toolbar lets you select shapes such as rectangles, circles, squares and stars. Or choose the pencil tool for free-form drawing.
Fill your shapes and drawings with color by clicking on "Object" from the menu bar. Select "Fill and Stroke."
Click on the "Text" option on the top menu bar to add text to your drawing. Change the linear flow of the text by selecting the "Put on Path" option. This lets you draw a line that shows the curvature of the text. For example, to form arched text draw an arched line; draw a straight line for horizontal text or a diagonal line for diagonal text.
Clear changes made to your drawing by selecting "Edit" from the menu bar and "Undo." The undo feature will only work for changes that have not been saved.
Save your Inkscape drawing by clicking on "File" and "Save As."
Download the Ghostscript installer. Save the file to your desktop.
Double-click the Ghostscript installer icon on your desktop to launch the installer.
Click "Setup" to start the installation. The "GPL Ghostscript Setup" window will open. The default settings will work for most people, but you can change the "Install to directory" and "Add shortcuts to" settings if desired.
Click "Install" to perform the installation. The installer will list the files in the log window as it installs them. When finished, a window will open showing the shortcuts installed to the Start menu. Close the window.
Open the Start menu and select "Run" (Windows XP and earlier) or click in the "Search" box (Vista and later).
Type "sysdm.cpl" and press the Enter key. On Windows Vista and later, click "sysdm.cpl" in the Programs list. The "System Properties" window will open.
Click the "Advanced" tab.
Click the "Environment Variables" button near the bottom of the window.
Click on the line with the term "Path" (or "PATH") in the "Variable" column under the "System Variables" section.
Click the "Edit" button in the "System Variables" section. The "Edit System Variable" window will open.
Place your cursor at the very end of the "Variable value" box. Type a semicolon followed by the complete path to the Ghostscript "lib" folder (the folder containing the "ps2pdf" batch file). For example, the default "lib" path for Ghostscript 8.70 is:
C:\Program Files\gs\gs8.70\lib
Click "OK" on each of the three open windows to make the changes and close the windows.
Restart your computer.
Launch Inkscape.
Select "Open" from the File menu. A standard file chooser window opens.
Find your EPS file. Click on it to select it. Click "Open." The "PDF Import Settings" window opens with a preview of the file on the right side of the window. This may take several seconds, and a Command Prompt window may appear and close automatically.
Set the clipping, text handling, font replacement, and precision as desired.
Click "OK." Inkscape imports the file and displays it.
Open the "Layers" dialog box by pressing the Shift+Ctrl+ L. The "Layers" dialog will appear on the right side of your screen.
Create any desired drawing elements on the initial layer. The initial layer is called Layer 1.
Add another layer by clicking the "+" button in the "Layers" dialog. Name your layer and position it either above or below the current layer by selecting the appropriate setting in the drop-down menu.
Hide or show each layer by clicking the eye next to each layer in the "Layers" dialog box.
Adjust the position of each layer by selecting the layer in the "Layers" dialog box and clicking the arrows below the layer list.
Delete a layer by selecting the layer in the list and clicking the "-" button.
Change the blend mode by selecting the layer to blend and choosing your blend mode in the "Blend Mode" drop-down menu. Blend modes change how colors mix between layers.
Change the opacity of a layer by selecting the layer and sliding the "Opacity" bar. Lower opacity makes the selected layer more "see-through."
Open your Inkscape program and open up the project you are working on or start a new project.
Click the "Calligraphy" icon button on the side of the screen. This changes your mouse to look like a calligraphy pen.
Click the color square on the toolbar at the top of the screen. This pulls down a large menu of different color options to choose from.
Select the color you want, then click out of the color square. This color now becomes your calligraphy pen ink. When you want to change the ink, go up and click the color square again.
Open Inkscape.
Create or manipulate any image. The image style is not important.
Click "File." In the upper left-hand corner of the window, click and open the file menu.
Click "Save As." "Save As" is the last selection of the first set of selections.
Insert the file name you desire for your work. The default file type is an .svg file.