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Jonathan Owen

By the end of this project, you’ll get comfortable opening and using Inkscape. With Inkscape, a free vector graphics program, you can build graphics with clear lines, vivid colors, and the flexibility to resize again and again.

You’ll get comfortable setting up Inkscape documents and using its most common tools: shape tools, selection and editing tools, the pen tool, and the text tool. You’ll also learn to pan and zoom around inside Inkscape.

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By the end of this project, you’ll get comfortable opening and using Inkscape. With Inkscape, a free vector graphics program, you can build graphics with clear lines, vivid colors, and the flexibility to resize again and again.

You’ll get comfortable setting up Inkscape documents and using its most common tools: shape tools, selection and editing tools, the pen tool, and the text tool. You’ll also learn to pan and zoom around inside Inkscape.

To build these skills, you’ll explore the differences between vector and raster graphics, practice panning and zooming in Inkscape, create a range of shapes, and edit those shapes.

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Get Started with Inkscape
By the end of this project, you’ll get comfortable opening and using Inkscape. With Inkscape, a free vector graphics program, you can build graphics with clear lines, vivid colors, and the flexibility to resize again and again. You’ll get comfortable setting up Inkscape documents and using its most common tools: shape tools, selection and editing tools, the pen tool, and the text tool. You’ll also learn to pan and zoom around inside Inkscape.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops foundational skills in using Inkscape
Suited for learners seeking to build a foundation in working with vector images
Offers practical hands-on exercises to reinforce concepts
Taught by an established instructor in the field of design
Requires learners to have access to a computer with Inkscape installed
May be less suitable for learners with previous experience in vector graphics

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Reviews summary

Inkscape kick-off

Students largely agree that this beginner-friendly course provides a quick introduction to Inkscape, addressing the software's basics and refreshing intermediate users on best practices and hotkeys.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Get Started with Inkscape with these activities:
Practice Panning and Zooming
Practice panning and zooming in Inkscape to navigate your designs effectively.
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Show steps
  • Use the pan tool to move around the canvas
  • Use the zoom tool to zoom in and out
  • Use the keyboard shortcuts for panning and zooming
Collect Examples of Inkscape Projects
Gather examples of Inkscape projects to inspire your own designs and expose you to different techniques.
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Show steps
  • Search online for Inkscape projects
  • Organize the examples into a collection
  • Study the techniques used in the projects
Discuss Inkscape Workflow
Connect with other students to discuss Inkscape workflow and exchange tips.
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Show steps
  • Join a study group or online forum
  • Participate in discussions about Inkscape workflow
  • Share your own experiences and tips with others
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice with Basic Shapes in Inkscape
Practice drawing and editing basic shapes in Inkscape to build confidence and familiarity.
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Show steps
  • Create a new Inkscape document
  • Use the shape tools to draw various shapes, such as rectangles, circles, and lines
  • Edit the shapes by changing their size, color, and position
Explore Advanced Features of Inkscape
Follow guided tutorials to learn advanced techniques and features of Inkscape, such as creating complex paths and using gradients.
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Show steps
  • Find tutorials on specific Inkscape features
  • Follow the steps in the tutorials to learn new techniques
  • Experiment with the new features in your own designs
Design a Vector Logo in Inkscape
Create a vector logo in Inkscape to apply your skills and showcase your creativity.
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Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for your logo
  • Sketch out your design
  • Create the logo in Inkscape using shapes, paths, and text
Background of Computer Graphics
Review a classic book in the field of Computer Graphics that covers the history and foundational concepts.
Show steps
  • Review the Preface, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter
  • Identify the key concepts and ideas presented in the book
Participate in an Inkscape Design Contest
Participate in an Inkscape design contest to showcase your skills and gain feedback from experts.
Browse courses on Inkscape
Show steps
  • Find an appropriate Inkscape design contest
  • Review the contest guidelines
  • Submit your design

Career center

Learners who complete Get Started with Inkscape will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Every day, this career requires proficiency using software like Inkscape to create images for everything from posters to advertisements, brochures, magazines, and websites.
Web Developer
A Web Developer is responsible for building and maintaining websites. They use a variety of programming languages to create the structure and design of a website, including languages like HTML and CSS. Web Developers can also use Inkscape to create custom graphics for their websites.
UX Designer
UX Designers focus on the user experience of a website or product. They use research and testing to understand how users interact with a product and then design the product to be as user-friendly as possible. Inkscape can be used by UX Designers to create prototypes and mockups of their designs.
Product Designer
Product Designers are responsible for the overall design of a product, from its concept to its final production. They work with engineers, marketers, and other team members to bring a product to life. Inkscape can be used by Product Designers to create prototypes and mockups of their designs.
Motion Graphic Designer
Motion Graphic Designers create animated graphics for a variety of purposes, including television, film, and the web. They use a variety of software programs to create their animations, including Inkscape. Inkscape can be used to create vector graphics that can be animated in other software programs.
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of a project, from concept to completion. They work with clients, designers, and other team members to ensure that the project meets the client's needs and vision. Inkscape may be used by Art Directors to create sketches and mockups of their ideas.
Illustrator
Illustrators create visual images to communicate ideas and stories. They work in a variety of mediums, including print, web, and animation. Inkscape is a popular software program used by Illustrators to create vector graphics.
Creative Director
Creative Directors oversee the creative vision of a project. They work with clients, designers, and other team members to ensure that the project meets the client's needs and vision. Inkscape may be used by Creative Directors to create sketches and mockups of their ideas.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers manage the social media accounts of businesses and organizations. They create and share content, engage with followers, and track results. Inkscape may be used by Social Media Managers to create graphics for social media posts.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They work with a variety of team members, including designers, writers, and public relations professionals. Inkscape may be used by Marketing Managers to create marketing materials, such as brochures and flyers.
Content Creator
Content Creators create and publish content for a variety of platforms, including websites, blogs, and social media. They use a variety of skills, including writing, photography, and graphic design. Inkscape may be used by Content Creators to create graphics for their content.
Photographer
Photographers take pictures for a variety of purposes, including art, journalism, and advertising. They use a variety of equipment and techniques to capture images. Inkscape may be used by Photographers to edit and enhance their photos.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, public libraries, and corporate libraries. Inkscape may be used by Librarians to create marketing materials and other resources for their libraries.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They develop lesson plans, teach lessons, and assess student learning. Inkscape may be used by Teachers to create educational materials, such as worksheets and presentations.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support to customers. They answer questions, resolve problems, and process orders. Inkscape may be used by Customer Service Representatives to create visual aids to help customers understand their products or services.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Get Started with Inkscape.
A beginner-friendly guide to Inkscape that covers the fundamentals of vector graphics, including shape creation, editing, and exporting.
Provides foundational knowledge computer vision, which is an important field in computer graphics. The book is generally relevant to the course, and may be useful for those very interested in the mathematics and algorithms that underpin Inkscape.
Covers the mathematical theory of signals and systems. Given the relevance of mathematics and algorithms to computer graphics, this book is generally relevant to the course. It will be too difficult for most who take the course, but may be useful for those already familiar with the topic.
Comprehensive introduction to the field of digital image processing. It assumes the reader already has some mathematical background and experience with image processing. While generally relevant to the course, it will likely be too difficult and advanced for most learners.
Is specifically about using the LaTeX typesetting system to create graphics. While Inkscape is not a LaTeX-based software, there is some overlap between the two. Therefore, this book is generally relevant to the course, but unlikely to be more useful than the books that are specifically about Inkscape.
Is specifically about Adobe Illustrator, a different vector graphics software. While there is some overlap between Inkscape and Illustrator, this book is of limited relevance to the course.
Is about web design using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. It does not relate to the topic of vector graphics, and so is not relevant to this course.
Is an introduction to JavaScript. While Inkscape has some scripting capabilities, this book is not relevant to this course.

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