Inkscape FAQs

Have you got questions on Inkscape you want answers for? You've come to the right place. Whether you're new to the web design software or there are a couple of issues puzzling you, we've put together this FAQ to answer some of the most common Inkscape queries.

What is Inkscape?

Inkscape is an open source, free program that creates vector-based graphics that can be used in web, print, and screen design as well as interface and logo creation, and material cutting. Its capabilities are similar to those of commercial products such as Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, and CorelDraw and can be used for any number of practical purposes. It is a software for web designers who want to add attractive visual elements to their website.

What License is Inkscape released under?

Inkscape is a free, open source program developed by a group of volunteers under the GNU General Public License (GPL). You not only get a free download but can use the program to create items with it and freely distribute them, modify the program itself, and share that modified program with others.

What platforms does Inkscape run on?

Inkscape is available for download for Windows, Macintosh, Linux, or Solaris operating systems.

Where can you download Inkscape from?

Go to the official Inkscape websiteand download the appropriate version of the software for your computer.

How do you run Inkscape on MAC OS X operating system?

To run on the Mac OS X operating system, it typically runs under X11—an implementation of the X Window System software that makes it possible to run X11-based applications in Mac OS X. The X11 application has shipped with the Mac OS X since version 10.5. When you open Inkscape on a Mac, it will first open X11 and run Inkscape within that program. Loss of some shortcut key options will occur but all functionality is present using menus and toolbars.

Is the X11 application a part of the MAC OS X operating system?

If you have Mac OS X version 10.5 or above. If you have a previous version of the MAC OS X operating system, you can download the X11 application package 2.4.0 or greater from this website: http://xquartz.macosforge.org/trac/wiki/X112.4.0.

What is the interface of Inkscape like?

The Inkscape interface is based on the GNOME UI standard which uses visual cues and feedback for any icons. For example:

• Hovering your mouse over any icon displays a pop-up description of the icon.
• If an icon has a dark gray border, it is active and can be used.
• If an icon is grayed out, it is not currently available to use with the current selection.
• All icons that are in execution mode (or busy) are covered by a dark shadow. This signifies that the application is busy and won't respond to any edit request.
• There is a Notification Display on the main screen that displays dynamic help messages to key shortcuts and basic information on how to use the Inkscape software in its current state or based on what objects and tools are selected.

Within the main screen there is the main menu, a command, snap and status bar, tool controls, and a palette bar.

What are Paths?

Paths have no pre-defined lengths or widths. They are arbitrary in nature and come in three basic types: open paths (have two ends), closed paths (have no ends, like a circle), or compound paths (uses a combination of two open and/or closed paths).

In Inkscape there are a few ways we can make paths: the Pencil (Freehand), Bezier (Pen), and Calligraphy tools—all of which are found in the tool box. They can also be created by converting a regular shape or text object into paths.

What shapes can be created in Inkscape?

Inkscape can also create shapes that are part of the SVG standard. These are:

• Rectangles and squares 3D boxes
• Circles, ellipses, and arcs
• Stars
• Polygons
• Spirals

To create any of these shapes, see the following screenshot. Select (click) the shape tool icon in the tool box and then draw the shape on the canvas by clicking, holding, and then dragging the shape to the size you want on the canvas.

What is slicing?

It is a term used to describe breaking of an image created in a graphics program apart so that it can be re-assembled in HTML to create a web page. To do this, we'll use Web Slicer Extension: from the main menu select Extensions | Web | Slicer | Create a slicer rectangle.