Inkscape 0.48: Creating an invitation

For small projects such as leaflets and invitations, you no longer need to struggle with using word processing programs or expensive desktop publishing software. Inkscape provides a reliable, free, and feature-rich alternative to such programs (as does Scribus).

By using the example of an invitation, this tutorial will introduce a few of Inkscape’s functions.

This tutorial covers:

• Creating layers
• Using guidelines
• Importing images
• Inserting and formatting text
• Inserting decorative features (Clipart)
• Drawing geometric shapes

Creating layers

You can use layers to structure your images or your document. Layers make the overview of elements easier, even if they are hidden.

To edit layers, click Layer > Layers. The layer dialog box appears on the right hand side of the program.

Here you can:

• Fade out layers (  )
• Lock layers so they cannot be edited (  )
• Add layers (  )
• Shift layers to the top (  )
• Shift the current layer up one (  )
• Shift the current layer down one (  )
• Delete the current layer (  )
• Choose the blend mode of the layer
• Set the opacity of the layer

The invitation in our example is given a frame.

1. Click the name Layer 1 and rename it “Frame”.
2. With the help of the guidelines, draw two parallel lines or make your own frame.

Using guidelines

1. Click the horizontal or vertical ruler.
2. Click and pull the guideline until it is parallel to the object.
3. Readjust the position of the object using the guideline.
   
   
   The red X marks the point where the object meets the guideline. The small blue circle on the line is the adjustment handle, which you can use to move the guideline.

Importing images

1. To create a new layer, click the plus symbol in the layers dialog box.
2. Enter a name. In this example, the name is Logo.
3. Click Add.
4. Click File > Import.
   The Select file to import dialog box appears.
5. In the Files of type list, select All Images.
6. Open the folder that contains the image you want.
7. Select the image and click Open.
8. If a dialog box appears with the options to embed or link the image, select an option and click OK.
9. Position the image where you want it and align it on the page. You can use the guidelines for help.

Inserting text

1. Click the text tool (  ).
2. Select a font and a text size.
3. Click the place where you want to insert text.
4. Enter the text.
5. In the program window at the bottom of the screen, select a color to change the text color. Alternatively, you can click the color field next to Fill to open the Fill and Stroke dialog box, where you can set the RGB value for text color.
   
    
   
   
   
   
6. If necessary, click the select tool (  ) to move the text.

Inserting decorative features

You can decorate your document in many ways, including:

• Inserting Clip Art (see above Importing images)
• Drawing geometric shapes
• Drawing organic shapes (see tip Transforming geometric shapes into organic forms by using paths)
  

Drawing geometric shapes

1. Click the star and polygon tool (  ).
2. Click the document and drag the shape to the size you want.
3. To change the form of your shape, adjust the corners, the spoke ratio, and other values.
   
   
   
4. In the Fill and Stroke dialog box, change the color of the shape.
5. You can further develop the shape by adding other shapes such as a rectangle or a circle.
   
   

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29.12.11
Translated by Michael Cox

Eva Fitz - Redaktionsleiterin bei Comet Computer
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