New version of Inkscape, vector drawing program v0.91 just out

[ianp5a]

Finally the new version of Inkscape has just been released. Version 0.91 now replaces the previous version 0.48.
Lots of changes under the hood and performance improvements. But not too many new functions.

Inkscape is a vector drawing program similar to programs such as Corel Draw. It is ideal for illustrations and colourful drawings with curves, shapes and text. It also allows you to include pictures (bitmaps) but it is not aimed at photo manipulation. The difference to a bitmap editor is that each curve or object created can be adjusted at a later stage exactly as when it was first created. The shape, colour, outline style and overlapping order is always editable. Bitmap graphics such as JPEGs can be exported from Inkscape for use elsewhere.
Inkscape is a free, open source program that runs on Windows Mac and Linux. See the Inkscape GALLERY. Results can be quite photo-realistic.

I have a lot of fun using it for drawing logos, icons, cartoons and illustrations. It's easy to use, and a good way to get to know vector drawing. It's not perfect. But getting better with each release.

 

[eeyore]

Can you recomend a course or book to read to lean how to use it?
I've always found it a little tricky to use.

 

[ianp5a]

I've not used a course. As I'd used other software before it. The basics are all very similar between programs. I guess You-tube is your friend. The Shiny button ones are quite easy to do.

If you can manage the following core steps, you'll be on your way. You will need to look up the exact commands though.
1) Draw a few circles and squares and change their colour, transparency and outline style.
2) Change the order of which objects are in front or behind each other.
3) Stretch a square using the handles. Click it again to get the rotate handles. Rotate it and skew it.
4) Select the Bezier curve tool and click about 6 or 7 positions.
5) Then use the Edit node tool to move some of those nodes around. Add and remove some nodes.
6) Bend some of the segments between the nodes by pulling on the tangent handles. Make some nodes smooth.
7) Create 2 overlapping squares and select them with a trap. Go to Path - Object to path. Then Path - Union. The squares become one single object. Edit the shape with the Node editor.
8) Create some text. Go to Path - Object to path. Then Path - Break Apart. Then Ungroup. Move the individual letters around. Use the Edit Node tool to change the shape of one of the letters.
9) Put objects on different Layers
10) Change the Fill of an object to a gradient, and modify the gradient colours and positions.

These are the core geometry tools. Most of the other functionality works off of these.