Creating vector graphics using Inkscape

Export Graphics

Saving the file is the next step. Standard graphic formats such as JPG, PNG, or GIF are pixel-based and do not support vectors. However, several vector formats are also available. The most common vector format, SVG (scalable vector graphics), is an open standard that all major programs support. Click on File | Save As and specify a file name; Inkscape sets SVG as a standard storage format.

For further processing in programs that do not support SVG, you can switch to PDF, Postscript (PS), or Encapsulated Postscript (EPS) (Figure 7). All three formats support vector scaling, and many printers support PS and EPS natively, meaning you can easily send corresponding files directly to these printers. PDF or EPS are probably the better options, even if you are creating documents for a commercial printer.

Figure 7: Make sure you choose the right format when saving the image in Inkscape. EPS is usually recommended for printing operations.

Outlook

This introduction to Inkscape has examined the bare minimum of what the program has to offer and demonstrated how to use the basic features. If you like Inkscape and want to work with the program in the future, you will find instructions and explanations on the Internet. If you have any questions regarding Inkscape, trying logging on to the Inkscape forum [2]. Here, experts discuss various issues relating to the application, but those who are new to Inkscape can ask questions, too.

Infos

  1. Inkscape: https://inkscape.org/en/
  2. Inkscape forum: http://www.inkscapeforum.com/

The Author

Martin Gerhard Loschwitz works as a cloud architect at SysEleven in Berlin. He concentrates on the topics of cloud management, OpenStack, distributed storage, and Puppet. In his spare time, he also looks after Pacemaker for Debian.

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