Create Icons with Inkscape from Coursera

By the end of this project, you’ll be able to create system and application icons with Inkscape. Inkscape is a free and open-source program that creates vector graphics. Because they’re vector based, images created in Inkscape are ideal for creating icons. They can be resized and edited quickly—and they’ll stay clear and sharp even after the changes.

During this project, you’ll practice creating line-based icons and solid-fill icons. You’ll practice researching icon requirements, you’ll prepare the Inkscape workspace to create icons, and you’ll create two different icons: a line-art lightbulb and a solid-fill envelope. Then you’ll practice resizing and exporting those images to meet Apple and Android specifications.

By the end of the project, you’ll be comfortable planning and creating icons for iOS, Android, and other systems.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Create Icons with Inkscape

By the end of this project, you’ll be able to create system and application icons with Inkscape. You'll practice creating line-based icons and solid-fill icons. You’ll practice researching icon requirements, you’ll prepare the Inkscape workspace to create icons, and you’ll create two different icons: a line-art lightbulb and a solid-fill envelope.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores a standard in icon creation: vector-based images that are suitable for resizing, resulting in clear and sharp icons

Provide learners with a thorough understanding of icon creation through practical hands-on practice of creating both line-based and solid-fill icons

Ensures learners are equipped to meet the specific requirements of icon creation for varied systems like iOS and Android

Introduces key tools and techniques of icon creation, such as line-based and solid-fill icons, and how to use Inkscape to create them

Provides step-by-step guidance through the icon creation process, making it accessible to learners who may have limited experience with image editing software

Reviews summary

Inkscape icon creation course

According to students, this graphic design course is recommended for those who want to learn about creating icons. Reviewers highly recommend the course, saying that it is a very helpful resource with engaging content.

Content is very engaging

Highly recommended resource

"Excellent course"

"I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn about graphic designs."

Career center

Learners who complete Create Icons with Inkscape will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers use visual concepts, images, and text to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. With the knowledge and hands-on practice you gain from this Create Icons with Inkscape course, you can increase your potential to build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of creating digital graphics. Skills in vector-based graphics software, like Inkscape, are sought after in the professional design world. Whether you are new to graphic design or seeking to enhance your skillset, this course may be able to help you.

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Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites. They are responsible for the visual appeal of a website, as well as its functionality. The Create Icons with Inkscape course can be a starting point for learning the foundational concepts of digital media creation and graphic design. Vector-based graphics are widely used in web design, and Inkscape is a popular tool among professionals. If you would like to get into or advance your career as a Web Designer, this course may be a helpful step.

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Art Director

Art Directors are responsible for the visual style and overall design of a wide range of media, including magazines, newspapers, websites, and advertising campaigns. An understanding of design and digital media tools, like Inkscape, can be helpful for aspiring Art Directors. This course may be beneficial to those interested in building a foundation in digital graphic design, with a focus on vector graphics, which are commonly used by Art Directors in their work.

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Product Designer

Product Designers are responsible for the design of products, from concept to launch. They work with engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to create products that are both useful and desirable. The Create Icons with Inkscape course can be a helpful step towards a career in Product Design, as vector graphics software is commonly used throughout the product design process. Whether you are new to design or looking to expand your skills, this course may be able to help you build a foundation in digital media creation.

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User Experience (UX) Designer

UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of a product or service. They work to make sure that products are easy to use, enjoyable, and efficient. This course can help you begin to develop the skills needed to succeed as a UX Designer. Digital graphic design tools, such as Inkscape, are widely used in the field of UX Design to prototype and iterate on design concepts. Taking this course could allow you to build a baseline understanding of the design process and relevant creative software.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns. They work with other departments to develop and implement strategies that will reach target audiences and achieve business goals. The Create Icons with Inkscape course can provide a useful overview of digital graphic design tools and concepts. Marketing Managers often need to collaborate with designers and creatives, and a basic understanding of design software can be a valuable asset.

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Content Creator

Content Creators are responsible for creating and distributing content that is engaging and informative. They work with a variety of media, including text, images, video, and audio. The Create Icons with Inkscape course can help you develop foundational digital graphic design skills that may be useful in your work as a Content Creator. Vector graphics are used in a variety of content, from social media graphics to website design. This course may help you build a base in digital media creation.

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Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers are responsible for developing and executing social media strategies. They work with other departments to create and distribute content that will engage target audiences and achieve business goals. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be a useful starting place for those interested in Social Media Management. Digital graphic design tools, like Inkscape, are widely used in social media, and familiarity with these tools can be a valuable asset in this field.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials and programs. They work with subject matter experts to develop learning objectives and create materials that are effective and engaging. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be a helpful starting point for those interested in Instructional Design. Vector graphics are sometimes used in the creation of educational materials and online courses. This course may provide foundational skills in digital media creation that are useful for aspiring Instructional Designers.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, help files, and training materials. They work with engineers, scientists, and other technical experts to translate complex information into clear and concise instructions. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful in the field of Technical Writing, as vector graphics are sometimes used to create diagrams, illustrations, and other visual aids for technical documentation. This course could help build a foundation in digital media creation for those interested in this field.

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E-Learning Developer

E-Learning Developers create and develop online learning materials. They work with instructional designers and other stakeholders to create courses that are effective and engaging. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be a useful starting point for aspiring E-Learning Developers. Vector graphics are often used in the creation of online learning materials. This course may provide foundational skills in digital media creation that are useful for those interested in this field.

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Animator

Animators create moving images for film, television, video games, and other media. They work with directors, producers, and other artists to bring characters and stories to life. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful for those interested in Animation, as vector graphics are often used in the creation of animated content. This course could provide a foundation in digital media creation for aspiring Animators.

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Video Editor

Video Editors create and edit video footage for film, television, video games, and other media. They work with directors, producers, and other artists to bring stories and ideas to life. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful for Video Editors, as vector graphics are sometimes used in the creation of video content. This course could help build a foundation in digital media creation for aspiring Video Editors.

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Motion Graphics Designer

Motion Graphics Designers create and design animated graphics for film, television, video games, and other media. They work with directors, producers, and other artists to bring stories and ideas to life. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful for aspiring Motion Graphics Designers, as vector graphics are commonly used in the creation of motion graphics. This course could help build a foundation in digital media creation for those interested in this field.

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3D Artist

3D Artists create and design 3D models and animations for film, television, video games, and other media. They work with directors, producers, and other artists to bring stories and ideas to life. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful for aspiring 3D Artists, as vector graphics are sometimes used for texturing and other aspects of 3D modeling. This course could introduce foundational digital media creation skills that may be useful in this field.

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