A quick guide to inkscape
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T
a Quicka Quicka Quicka Quick
Guide to Guide to Guide to Guide to
Inkscape Inkscape Inkscape Inkscape
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his is a guide is for artists or hobbyist who are already familiar with one
vector drawing application and are looking to try InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape. Even if this
isn't you, you might still find this guide useful.
It will hopefully be a good quick reference to help
users overcome the hurdle of getting to know a
different application, reveal some of the
differences with other vector drawing applications,
and highlight just a few of Inkscape'sInkscape'sInkscape'sInkscape's lesser known
or more attractive features.
Many simplistic and obvious features aren't
described at all in this guide. For a thorough guide
to all of Inkscape'sInkscape'sInkscape'sInkscape's features, visit
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/.
In most cases I only list keyboard shortcuts for
functions, but many of these functions are also
found easily in the menus or on palettes and toolbars.
ContentsContentsContentsContents
TheTheTheThe Inkscape WindowInkscape WindowInkscape WindowInkscape Window 1111....
IllustratorIllustratorIllustratorIllustrator----InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape Translation DictionaryTranslation DictionaryTranslation DictionaryTranslation Dictionary2222....
Working withWorking withWorking withWorking with PathsPathsPathsPaths 3333....
Page 1 of 13a Quick Guide to Inkscape
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Drawing a path 1.
Creating a path1.
Finish a path2.
Cancel a path 3.
Edit a path 2.
Add a node1.
Delete a node2.
Split / break a node3.
Combine / join nodes4.
Continue / append an open path5.
Delete a segment6.
Join nodes with a new segment7.
Change node type 8.
Working with objectsWorking with objectsWorking with objectsWorking with objects 4444....
Selecting objects 1.
Selecting an obscured object2.
Resizing & rotating an object 3.
Ordering objects4.
Duplicating objects 5.
Cloning Objects 6.
Working with GroupsWorking with GroupsWorking with GroupsWorking with Groups 5555....
Grouping & Ungrouping1.
Selecting objects within a group2.
Add objects to a group3.
Working with Clips & MasksWorking with Clips & MasksWorking with Clips & MasksWorking with Clips & Masks 6666....
Defining a Clip or Mask1.
Clip / Mask multiple objects2.
Edit objects in a clip / mask3.
Add objects to a clip / mask4.
Edit the clipping / masking object 5.
Working with LayersWorking with LayersWorking with LayersWorking with Layers 7777....
Moving objects between layers 1.
Working with GradientsWorking with GradientsWorking with GradientsWorking with Gradients 8888....
Creating a gradient 1.
Applying an already defined gradient2.
Position / transform a gradient 3.
Reversing a gradient4.
Repeating gradient5.
Asymmetric radial gradient6.
Conclusion and copyrightConclusion and copyrightConclusion and copyrightConclusion and copyright 9999....
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The Inkscape WindowThe Inkscape WindowThe Inkscape WindowThe Inkscape Window
Note that the Tool Control Bar will display icons specific to the tool you have
selected.
IllustratorIllustratorIllustratorIllustrator----Inkscape Translation DictionaryInkscape Translation DictionaryInkscape Translation DictionaryInkscape Translation Dictionary
For those already familiar with Adobe IllustratorAdobe IllustratorAdobe IllustratorAdobe Illustrator, here's a brief translation of
IllustratorIllustratorIllustratorIllustrator terms and tool names to their InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape equivalent.
IllustratorIllustratorIllustratorIllustrator InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape
Anchor Node (smooth)
Handle Handle
Anchor (corner) Node (cusp)
Selection Tool ( V ) Selector Tool ( S )
Direct Selection Tool ( A ) Node Tool ( N )
Page 3 of 13a Quick Guide to Inkscape
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Segment finished using
double-click
IllustratorIllustratorIllustratorIllustrator InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape
Pen Tool ( P ) Bezier Tool ( B )
Pencil Tool ( N ) Freehand Tool ( P )
�Live Trace �Trace Bitmap
Working with pathsWorking with pathsWorking with pathsWorking with paths
Drawing a path
Paths are drawn using either the Bezier tool or the Freehand tool .
Unless you have a graphics tablet you will most likely always use the Bezier
tool.
Creating aCreating aCreating aCreating a pathpathpathpath
Tool:
Laying a path with the Bezier tool involves simply
clicking each spot you want a node to appear. A
single-click creates a sharp node whilst mouse
-drag creates a smooth node.
As you draw InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape shows the segments of the line you've laid in
green and the unfinished segment as red. To undo the previous
segment, press Backspace or Delete .
Finish path:Finish path:Finish path:Finish path:
Tool:
Double-clicking will finish the path with the
unfinished segment (red) whilst pressing Enter
or Right-clicking will end the path and discard
the unfinished segment. Clicking or mouse-
dragging on the starting node will create a
closed path.
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Segment finished using
Enter or Right-
clicking
Delete attempts to
preserve the shape by
adjusting the adjacent
node handles.
Ctrl + Delete does not
preserve the shape.
It may not be obvious
you've split a node until
you move one.
Cancel path Cancel path Cancel path Cancel path ----
Press Escape or Ctrl + Z to cancel the entire
path.
Edit a path
Add a node:Add a node:Add a node:Add a node:
Tool:
Tool Control:
Double-click or Ctrl + Alt +Click on a
segment to add a node in that spot.
Delete aDelete aDelete aDelete a node:node:node:node:
Tool:
Tool Control:
You can Ctrl + Alt +Click a node to delete it,
or select the node and press Delete or
Backspace . With either of these options InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape
will modify the handles on the remaining nodes to
try and preserve the shape of the path. If you
don't want this to happen, press Ctrl + Delete or
Ctrl + Backspace instead.
SplitSplitSplitSplit / break node:/ break node:/ break node:/ break node:
Tool:
Tool Control:
Select the node and press Shift + B to split or
break it into two nodes.
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A smooth node is
indicated by a square
Combine / joinCombine / joinCombine / joinCombine / join nodes:nodes:nodes:nodes:
Tool:
Tool Control:
Select two end nodes and press Shift + J to
combine them into one node.
Continue / append an open path: Continue / append an open path: Continue / append an open path: Continue / append an open path:
Tool:
Select the path and start drawing from one of the
end nodes with the Pen Tool.
Delete aDelete aDelete aDelete a segment:segment:segment:segment:
Tool:
Tool Control:
Select the segment, or the two nodes at either end
of the segment, and press the button to delete
it.
JoinJoinJoinJoin nodes with a new segment:nodes with a new segment:nodes with a new segment:nodes with a new segment:
Tool:
Tool Control:
Select the two end nodes and press the button
to create a segment between them.
Change nodeChange nodeChange nodeChange node type:type:type:type:
Tool:
Tool Control: , ,
Press Shift + C to make a cusp node. Press
Shift + S to make a smooth node. Press
Ctrl + Delete to make a smooth node with
symmetrical handle lengths. Alternatively you can
Ctrl +Click the node to toggle through each
node type.
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whilst a cusp node uses a
diamond.Working with ObjectsWorking with ObjectsWorking with ObjectsWorking with Objects
For clarification, an object is a general term to describe all shapes that make
up a drawing. Text, shapes, paths, anything drawn, is an object. This
includes groups of objects.
SelectingSelectingSelectingSelecting objects:objects:objects:objects:
Tool:
Unlike applications like Adobe IllustratorAdobe IllustratorAdobe IllustratorAdobe Illustrator and
some other graphics applications, InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape does
not provide a view of how all your objects are
stacked in a drawing. You can only select objects from within the canvas
area with the Selector tool.
Selecting an obscured object:Selecting an obscured object:Selecting an obscured object:Selecting an obscured object:
Tool:
Sometimes you can't select an object because
another object is above it. You can cycle through
the selection of objects by pressing Tab or you
can Alt +Click to cycle through selecting just the objects below the
mouse cursor.
Resizing & rotating an object:Resizing & rotating an object:Resizing & rotating an object:Resizing & rotating an object:
Tool:
Select an object to show its transform handles.
Click the object again to toggle rotation
handles for the object.
Ordering Objects:Ordering Objects:Ordering Objects:Ordering Objects:
Tool:
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To raise or lower an objects order press Page Up or Page Down
respectively. To raise or lower an object to the very top or very bottom
press Home or End respectively.
Duplicating Objects:Duplicating Objects:Duplicating Objects:Duplicating Objects:
Tool:
Press Ctrl + D to duplicate an object. This is
similar to copying and pasting an object except
it's position is the same as the original.
Cloning Objects:Cloning Objects:Cloning Objects:Cloning Objects:
Tool:
To clone a object press Alt + D . Cloning is
similar to duplicating except the clone maintains a
link to the original so when you edit the original
object the changes will be reflected in clone/s
also. To select the original object whilst a clone is
selected press Shift + D . You can unlink a clone
from the original by pressing Shift + Alt + D whilst the clone is
selected.
Working withWorking withWorking withWorking with GroupsGroupsGroupsGroups
Groups are a way of grouping multiple objects into a new object that can be
treated the same as a regular object. Even after grouping, individual objects
within the group can still be edited.
Grouping & Ungrouping:Grouping & Ungrouping:Grouping & Ungrouping:Grouping & Ungrouping:
Tool:
To group multiple objects press Ctrl + G and
press Ctrl + U to ungroup.
Selecting objects within a group:Selecting objects within a group:Selecting objects within a group:Selecting objects within a group:
Tool:
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To select an object within a group Ctrl +Click .
Use Ctrl + Alt +Click to select obscured
objects in a group. This is true for clips and
masks as well. Alternatively, you can enter a
group by pressing Ctrl + Enter or double-clicking and then select
the objects as normal. To break out of the group, press
Ctrl + Backspace or select an object outside of the group.
AddAddAddAdd objects to a group:objects to a group:objects to a group:objects to a group:
Tool:
Press Ctrl + Enter or double-click to enter
the group then draw or paste the new object to
include.
Working with Clips &Working with Clips &Working with Clips &Working with Clips & MasksMasksMasksMasks
Clips and Masks are used to restrict what parts of an
object are visible. The shape of the object used as a
clip defines the area that is visible whilst the
transparency or lightness of an object used as a mask
determines the area that is visible.
Defining a Clip orDefining a Clip orDefining a Clip orDefining a Clip or Mask:Mask:Mask:Mask:
Tool:
Select two object and make sure the top most
object is the object you want to use as the
clip/mask. Select Set for either Clip or Mask
under the Object menu.
Clip / MaskClip / MaskClip / MaskClip / Mask multiple objects:multiple objects:multiple objects:multiple objects:
Tool:
If you select three objects and set a clip / mask where the top object is
used as the clipping / masking object you'll end up with two separate
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clipped / masked objects. If you want to clip /
mask multiple object, group the objects first.
Edit objects in aEdit objects in aEdit objects in aEdit objects in a clip / mask:clip / mask:clip / mask:clip / mask:
Tool:
Double-click a clip / mask to enter it and you
will then be able to select and edit the objects in
it. If you are clipping / masking a group you will
also be able to use Ctrl + Enter .
Add objects to a clip / mask:Add objects to a clip / mask:Add objects to a clip / mask:Add objects to a clip / mask:
Tool:
You will only be able to add objects to a clip /
mask if you are clipping / masking a group.
Double-click or Ctrl + Enter to enter the
clipped / masked group then draw or paste the
new object to include.
Edit the clipping / maskingEdit the clipping / maskingEdit the clipping / maskingEdit the clipping / masking object:object:object:object:
Tool:
To edit a clipping or masking object you will need
to release the mask (Object > Clip or Mask >
Release ). The only way to edit a clipping /
masking object without releasing it is if the
clipping / masking object is a cloned object and
you edit the original.
�
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Working withWorking withWorking withWorking with LayersLayersLayersLayers
Layers work much the same as layers on other applications and the can be re
-ordered, visibility toggled and locked from editing using the Layers palette
or the Layer Information in the Status Bar.
Moving objects betweenMoving objects betweenMoving objects betweenMoving objects between layers:layers:layers:layers:
Tool:
To move an object to the layer above or below press Shift + Page Up
or Shift + Page Down respectively.
Working withWorking withWorking withWorking with GradientsGradientsGradientsGradients
Creating a gradient:Creating a gradient:Creating a gradient:Creating a gradient:
Tool:
Defining a gradient is pretty straight forward.
Simply select an object, use the Gradient Tool to
lay a new gradient then click the Edit button on
the Tool Control bar to open the Gradient Editor
where you can edit the gradient.
Applying an already definedApplying an already definedApplying an already definedApplying an already defined gradient:gradient:gradient:gradient:
Tool:
InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape encourages you to re-use the same
gradient on multiple objects. To apply a gradient
already used by another object, select the object then the Gradient Tool
and select the gradient from the drop-down list on the Tool Control
bar. Alternative, copy an object that uses the gradient ( Ctrl + C ) then
paste the style on the target object ( Ctrl + Shift + Z ), but note this
will copy all styles associated with the source object including the
position of the gradient.
Note:Note:Note:Note: When you edit a gradient the changes will be reflected in all objects
that use it. You can duplicate a gradient to make subtle changes for a
specific object.
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Position / transform a gradient:Position / transform a gradient:Position / transform a gradient:Position / transform a gradient:
Tool: or
Using either the Gradient Tool or the Node Tool
you can easily position and transform a linear and
radial gradient by grabbing its handles on the
InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape canvas.
Reversing aReversing aReversing aReversing a gradient:gradient:gradient:gradient:
Tool:
Press Shift + R to reverse a gradient. Note that
if the gradient is used on other objects it will be
duplicated so it doesn't affect those objects.
Repeating gradient:Repeating gradient:Repeating gradient:Repeating gradient:
On the Fill and Stroke palette, select the repeat
mode (reflected or direct) for the gradient on the
selected object from the drop-down list.
Asymmetric radial gradient:Asymmetric radial gradient:Asymmetric radial gradient:Asymmetric radial gradient:
Tool: or
You can modify the centre position of a radial
gradient to make it asymmetric by Shift +
drag the centre handle.
Conclusion andConclusion andConclusion andConclusion and CopyrightCopyrightCopyrightCopyright
I hope you found this this guide useful.
Note that the images of the ladies were digitally inked and coloured by
myself using InkscapeInkscapeInkscapeInkscape, based off pencils provided by KingKingKingKing----CheetahCheetahCheetahCheetah
(http://king-cheetah.deviantart.com/) and renecordovarenecordovarenecordovarenecordova
(http://renecordova.deviantart.com/) respectively.
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You can leave comments about this guide at InkscapeForum.com or at
DeviantArt.
Page 12 of 13a Quick Guide to Inkscape
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