Inkscape – Beginner Tutorial Pdf

One confusing thing with some tools in Inkscape, is that it keeps the previous settings from the last time you used the tool. So sometimes your squares will be white and not show up.

Generally use CTRL and not shift in Inkscape Vs Illustrator

XML Editor – press SHIFT + CTRL + X to edit the code

PASTE IN PLACE = CTRL + ALT + V

SELECT SHAPES by left clicking on them

SELECT UNDERNEATH with Alt + Click (this doesn’t work on Mac – you have to select on object then tab through to the one you want)

Deselect by pressing escape

Sometimes i cant select an object with the selection tool for some reason, but selecting the node tool and then clickin on the object works – just switch back to the selection tool again

Text

Https://inkscape.org

Ellipse Tool

To get a perfect circle in using the Elipse tool in Inkscape, you need to click on one of the square nodes, whilst holding down CTRL and then drag.

Rectangle Tool – Inkscape

Using the circular node, you can create rounded corners.

You can also just use the “Ry” measurement box on the bar near the top.

Inkscape Gradient

Fill & Stroke Menu

To show the Fill and Stroke Menu in Inkscape go to the “Object” Menu and then click on the third option “Fill and Stroke…”

Pathfinder Menu – Inkscape

For “Union” – you need to select 2 or more objects, then click on the “Path” menu.

To make a hole in an object with another object.

Place one object on top of the other

Select both objects

Then go to Path > Difference

Another example:

Select both Objects – Path menu > Difference – creates a hole in the bottom circle (if different shapes are used to make the cat image – Path>unionise first!)

Using an Image to Trim Another Image

Path > Difference

Gradient Tool

Add nodes to add more colours to the gradient by double clicking on the line.

Drag the lines at the ends to make them longer, to make the colours span further – for example across the whole shape

‘Linkedin Gradient Effect’

To create the Linkedin Gradient effect,

create an elipse that is about the same width as the rounded-square which forms the main outline of the logo.
Duplicate the green/blue square (or whatever color your logo is)
Select the elipse and the new square
Path menu > intersection (this creates the shine/gradient area)
Change the elipse area to white
Use the gradient tool

Useful Bits from Inkscape website

Dotted strokes and spirals make cool shapes