INKSCAPE

INKSCAPE

INTRODUCTION ABOUT INKSCAPE

Inkscape is a professional-quality vector graphics program running on Windows, Mac OS X and GNU / Linux systems. It is used by design professionals and amateurs around the world, to create a wide range of graphics such as illustrations, symbols, logos, charts, maps, and web graphics. Open Inkscape SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) uses W3C as a native format and is free and open-source.

ITS FEATURES AND FUNCTION

Object creation

• ·         Drawing: pencil tool (free drawing with simple paths), pen tool (creating Bézier curves and straight lines), line tool (free drawing using filled paths representing linear lines)
• ·         Shape tools: rectangles (may have rounded corners), ellipses (including circles, arcs, sections), stars/polygons (can be rounded and/or random), spirals
• ·         Text tool (polyline text, full edit on canvas)
• ·         Embedded bitmaps (with the command to create and embed bitmaps for selected objects)
• ·         Copying (direct copying of objects), including a tool to create patterns and arrangements for copying

Object manipulation

• ·         Shifts (motion, scaling, rotation, knitting), interactively by setting precise numeric values
• ·         Z-order operations (lift and lower)
• ·         Group objects ("select in the group" without ungrouping, or "Enter group" making it a temporary layer)
• ·         Alignment and distribution orders

Fill and stroke

• ·         Color selector (RGB, HSL, CMYK, color wheel, CMS)
• ·         Color Picker tool
• ·         Copy / paste pattern
• ·         Gradient Editor is capable of multiple stop gradients
• ·         Fill out the form (bitmap/vector)
• ·         Intermittent beat, with many predefined dash patterns
• ·         Path markers (end, start, and/or start marks, such as arrowheads)

Operations on paths

• ·         Edit node: move nodes, bezier handles, align node, distribute, etc.
• ·         Convert to path (for text objects or shapes), including stroke conversion to path
• ·         Logical operations
• ·         Streamline track, with variable threshold
• ·         Insetting and out setting a path, including dynamic and connected displacement objects
• ·         Bitmap tracking (color and monochrome paths)

Text support

·         Multi-line text

·         Uses any installed external fonts, including right-to-left scripts

·         Spacing, character spacing, line spacing

·         Path text (text and path remain editable)

·         Text in shape (fill shape after stroke)

Rendering

• ·         Full anti-aliasing display
• ·         Support alpha transparency for viewing and exporting PNG
• ·         Complete During Drag, rendering objects during interactive conversions

File formats

• ·         Create and edit a fully compatible SVG file format
• ·         Live View and edit the document tree in XML editor
• ·         Export PNG, OpenDocument, DXF, sk1, PDF, EPS, PostScript and more
• ·         Export command-line options and conversions

HOW IT CAN HELP IN YOUR CLASSROOM

• ·         To teach students vector drawing.
• ·         To draw maps.
• ·         Teachers can use Inscape to make worksheets.
• ·         Teachers and students can edit photos for presentations and publications.
• ·         Story telling after editing pictures using Inkscape.
• ·         Students can make a logo for the school logo competition.

SCREENSHOTS OF THE TOOL