Software Guide
Inkscape
Inkscape is software for creating and editing vector graphics:
Inkscape is a valuable tool that's useful in many parts of the shop.
A common use of Inkscape is to prepare art for import into the software that drives various tools around the shop. Protohaven members use Inkscape to create and edit designs for use with:
- Large Format Laser (LightBurn)
- CNC Embroidery (Artistic Designer)
- Vinyl Cutter (Sure Cuts A-Lot)
- CNC Router (Vcarve)
Inkscape can be used to prepare art for the Large Format Printer.
Inkscape is also a good general purpose tool for creating visuals: drawings, infographics, logos, title blocks, icons.
Download
Inkscape is freely available to download and use for Linux, Windows, and MacOS:
Help and Tutorials
Manual
The Inkscape project maintains a comprehensive manual:
https://inkscape-manuals.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html
The manual is updated regularly, and available for both online (HTML) and offline (PDF, ePub) reading.
Video
A short tutorial to get started with Inkscape:
- Inkscape Tutorial: Complete Starter Guide for New Users (with chapters)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzk-suGcqrc
A comprehensive tutorial series for Inkscape is available from TJ Free:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqazFFzUAPc5lOQwDoZ4Dw2YSXtO7lWNv
Some videos from the series that are good places to start:
- Inkscape Lesson 1 - Interface and Basic Drawing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f011wdiW7g - Inkscape Lesson 10 - Trace Images with Bezier Tool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sagrkdmC_BI - Inkscape Lesson 11 - Trace Bitmap Tool (Convert Raster to SVG)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7HwLTQu2FI