Inkscape Essential Training

Create great illustrations for print and the web with Inkscape, the open-source vector graphics software.

Introduction

• Create great vector graphics for free with Inkscape

1. Getting Started

• What is Inkscape?
• Understanding the SVG file format
• Touring the Inkscape interface
• Exploring the Inkscape toolbox
• Creating new documents
• Importing documents from Adobe Illustrator
• Editing document properties
• Editing global Inkscape preferences
• Using Undo History

2. Navigating an Inkscape Document

• Panning and zooming
• Working with Inkscape dialogs
• Using guides
• Using grids
• Working with snap controls
• Understanding display modes
• Selecting input devices
• Working with layers

3. Drawing Basic Shapes

• Drawing with the Pen tool
• Using the Node tool
• Understanding node types
• Joining and splitting paths
• Drawing with the Pencil tool
• Understanding shapes and paths
• Creating spirals
• Creating rectangles
• Creating ellipses
• Creating stars and polygons
• Drawing with the Calligraphy tool
• Creating diagram connectors
• Erasing paths

4. Transforming Objects

• Selecting objects
• Grouping objects
• Moving objects
• Controlling the stacking order
• Scaling objects
• Rotating objects
• Skewing objects
• Using the Tweak tool
• Hiding and showing objects
• Aligning and distributing objects
• Arranging objects in a grid
• Working with object clones
• Using clipping paths and masks
• Using the XML Editor

5. Working with Fills and Strokes

• Adding fills to your objects
• Understanding fill rules
• Adding strokes to your objects
• Working with linear gradients
• Working with radial gradients
• Working with mesh gradients
• Working with patterns
• Working with swatches
• Working with stroke styles
• Working with dashed and dotted strokes
• Using the Dropper tool to sample and apply colors
• Creating blurs

6. Using Filters

• Using the Filter Editor
• Creating bevels
• Adjusting color with filters
• Distorting objects
• Simulating materials
• Creating drop shadows
• Creating textures

7. Using Extensions

• Adjusting color with extensions
• Embedding and extracting images
• Modifying paths
• Blending paths
• Creating effects with raster extensions
• Rendering objects

8. Creating Complex Shapes

• Using path commands
• Using the 3D-Box tool
• Using the Spray tool
• Tracing bitmap images
• Applying path effects

9. Working with Text

• Adding text
• Editing text
• Inserting special characters
• Placing text on a path
• Converting text into paths

10. Printing and Exporting Artwork

• Using clean up document feature
• Printing Inkscape documents
• Saving files for print
• Saving files for the web

Conclusion

• Next steps