![](https://themakerspace.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/inkscape-logo.png)
How to learn New Apps:
- When it’s not expressly required
- By exploring making mistakes and solving them:
- solving by questioning / Forums / youtube
- If you don’t learn it and make it do what you want you’re no longer a designer.
- Designs become program standards.
Vector creating, editing and design software.
Open Source
Vector vs Raster.
![url.jpg](https://www.evernote.com/shard/s83/sh/cdced4f1-c25e-428b-9ab5-5b3c707c3e74/a49ecc62a7b0e735/res/e70ac6ce-ed84-4496-92c6-0fd2e4f1155c.jpg?resizeSmall&width=832)
Inkscape uses the .svg filetype this stands for Scalable Vector Graphic.
![inkscape logo](http://colibre.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/inkscape-logo.png)
Intention to use this software for laser cutting… laser cutter follows vector paths (can do photos but only as scans/etches)
Basic interface:
Tools left side
Dockers right side
Menu bar at top
Basic toolbars / docks required.
Layers
Controlling whats seen and how stacked
Align and Distribute
Aligning and distributing items
Fill and Stroke
Fill, stroke and properties
Useful Processes:
- Trace bitmap.
- Save as .dxf (remove splines) [Splines aren’t always a problem but they can be]
- select > Extensions > Modify path > flatten beziers (select flatness / steps)
- File > Save a copy > .dxf
- no Robo. no Poly
- Base unit = mm
- open in Laser software.
Useful Resources:
official inksacpe home
official inskcape tutorials
comprehensive getting started guide
Makerspaces own intro to vectors
DONE
*Jono James 2015
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