Modifying a Vectored Logo in Inkscape™ User Manual

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Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1 Why use Inkscape ...... 1 What you need before you use this guide ...... 1 How to Read Modifying a Vectored Logo in Inkscape ...... 2 Icons used in this guide ...... 2 Getting Started with Inkscape ...... 3 How to Navigate Inkscape...... 3 To navigate the toolbars ...... 4 To navigate the page ...... 5 How to Open a File...... 6 To open a new file ...... 6 To import a template ...... 6 To open an existing...... 6 Transforming the background of an image ...... 8 How to Make a Transparent Background ...... 8 To make a transparent background...... 8 To remove a background ...... 9 How to Make a Full-Color Background ...... 10 To make a full-color background ...... 10 To color match a current background...... 10 Changing the foreground of an image ...... 12 How to Change an Image to Greyscale ...... 12 To change an image to greyscale ...... 12 How to Change an Image to Black and White...... 14 To change an image to black and white ...... 14 Exporting the image ...... 16 How to Save as an SVG ...... 16 To Save as an SVG ...... 16 How to Export as PNG ...... 18 ToFor export as PNG ...... Reference Only18 Appendix A: Glossary...... 19 Appendix B: Toolbar and Shortcut Reference Guide ...... 20 Toolbox bar Reference ...... 20 Shortcuts ...... 21 ii

Appendix C: File Formats ...... 23 Appendix D: External Tutorials ...... 25 Index ...... 26

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Introduction

This manual will instruct the reader on how to modify logos used by businesses both online and in print. Businesses require several different versions of their logo: black and white, greyscale, transparent, and full-color. These logos need to be high-quality and saved in different sizes and formats.

Inkscape is an open-source, vector drawing graphic program. Inkscape is similar to other proprietary graphic editing programs like Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw. Vectored graphics are best suited to be used for business logos, since they can be rendered clearly online and in print. Why use Inkscape Inkscape is a free, open-source software that works across several operating systems. It doesn’t matter if you use Windows, Mac OS, or Linux, you will be able to download the software.

Inkscape uses Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). Vector graphics are preferred in graphic design. Vector graphics can create professional-grade designs because of their high scalability, meaning the graphic can be resized for business cards or billboards. e Only Similar to other graphic editing programs, Inkscapec also offers: • Object creation (creating shapes, nadding text, cloning images) • Object manipulation (transforming images, grouping objects, adding layers) e • Fill and stroke (changing colors, adding patterns, altering path markers)

Along with exporting to an SVG file format, Inkscape is also able to export image files to PNG, OpenDocument Drawing, DXF, sk1, PDF, EPS and PostScript formats. You can find more information on these types of file formats and their properties in Appendix C: File Formats, on page 23. What you need before you use this guide Before reading this guide, install Inkscape onto your computer.

As free and open-source software, Inkscape can be downloaded through the officialr Inkscape Refer website. Access the link below and follow the download instructions: Fo https://inkscape.org/en/download/ 2

How to Read Modifying a Vectored Logo in Inkscape This user manual will guide you through the basics of importing, modifying, and exporting an image in Inkscape. The manual is set up as follows:

» Getting Started with Inkscape » Transforming background of the image » Changing the foreground of the image » Exporting the image » Appendix A: Glossary » Appendix B: Toolbar and Shortcut Reference Guide » Appendix C: File Formats » Appendix D: External Tutorials Icons used in this guide There will be three types of icons used in this user manual. These icons will highlight important information that you should consider before completing the task. Only A note provides additional information that is important to the Note task

A tip suggests alternate methods for completing a task. Tips Tip should help the user to better understand the product.

A warning advises about a specific action that could Warning adversely affect the user’s operating system or product.

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Getting Started with Inkscape

Inkscape shares similar features found in other graphic editing programs. You can open blank documents, import from templates, or import an existing SVG document. Each newly opened file opens a separate document window that can be accessed on your computer’s taskbar.

To navigate between the opened documents, you can also use the Inkscape shortcut Ctrl+Tab

Since Inkscape is an open-source software and only on version 0.91, we recommend you consistently save your work in case the program freezes or crashes

This section will cover the basic knowledge you will need to operate Inkscape, including: Only

» How to Navigate Inkscape » How to Open a File How to Navigate Inkscape When first opened after installation, Inkscape can be overwhelming to new users. The interface contains multiple toolbars and page sections, each with different properties that you can use to create and alter images.

Many of these toolbars are used for advanced image editing; we will only be identifying each toolbar and its proprieties so that you know what they are and what they do. Once you are able to identify these toolbars, it will become easier to navigate Inkscape and to modify documents. See the graphic on the next page for a clear explanation of each toolbar. Reference For 4

To navigate the toolbars B C

A E

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G H I H

Callout Description A Toolbox The Toolbox displays icons of the drawing and editing tools B Menu bar ReferenceThe Menu bar contains file and graphic based editing, using a number of drop-down menus C Tool Controls bar The Tool Controls bar displays editing option buttons (icons), numeric-value (if applicable) and unit of measure boxes for the currently enabled Toolbox bar tool ForD Fill and Stroke The Fill and Stroke area displays the paint options available to fill an image with a color or pattern E Snap Controls bar The Snap Controls bar displays the snapping methods (modes) 5

Callout Description F Command bar The Command bar contains common commands associated with file and graphic editing G Export area The Export area displays the parameters for exporting an image H Palette bar The Palette bar displays customizable color palettes I Status bar The Status bar displays common editors, dynamic tool-tips, edits, and Menu bar interactions being performed

To navigate the page A Only

B C

Callout Description A ReferenceRulers The Ruler display the x and y axis positioning of the cursor on the canvas. B Canvas area The Canvas area is the play area for your creations, the canvas has no borders. ForC Graphic Graphics can be imported or created in Inkscape. The graphic size can be increased in to match the Canvas area or the page area

Callout Description D Page area The Page can be seen as the print area and is restricted by its 'page border'. One can still export based on page, selection, drawing and customize.an image with a color or pattern

How to Open a File When working with Inkscape, there are several options for working on a document. You can open a blank document and create your graphics, you can import a template that supports the page size and style that you are intending to create, and you can import an already created graphic. If you plan to alter an existing design, it is likely that you will be opening the existing image into Inkscape. To open a new file Only 1. To create a new blank document, click File > New

To import a template

1. To import a template, click File > Templates 2. Scroll through the list of templates to find the page size and style that matches your project 3. Click Create from template

To open an existing

1. To open an existing SVG document, click File > Open 2. Browse through the file manager that pops up 3. Select your file, click Open

You can also import an existing image into Inkscape by clicking File > Import and following the same set of instruction from opening an existing document. ImportingReference a document pastes the image onto the standard page rather than

opening the image as-is.

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If the document is not saved in an SVG format, a dialog box will launch:

Only 4. Import the image as an embedded file rather than a link, click OK

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Transforming the background of an image

Inkscape allows you to modify your image to change the background to be transparent, colored, or patterned. Changing the background of an image can simplify a busy image, add visibility to text, or direct the viewer’s focus.

This section will cover the basic knowledge you need to transform background of an image, including:

» How to Make a Transparent Background » How to Make a Full-Color Background How to Make a Transparent Background Any graphic created in Inkscape defaults to having a transparent background. Imported or already existing images may not have this set transparent background and will need to be edited. By using a transparent background the image can be imported or altered to fit the context of the graphicOnly. You can erase the background of an image by either changing the transparency of the background or removing it entirely.

Although Inkscape uses a default white background for its documents, this background is transparent when saved.

To make a transparent background

1. To change the background, click File > Document Properties 2. In the newly opened Document Properties window, click on the Background color

3. Change the Background color RGBA value to 888888FF Reference For

888888 defines the color in hex. Adding the suffix ‘FF’ makes the color fully transparent

4. Close the pop-up by clicking the ‘X’ in the upper right-hand corner

To remove a background

1. To remove the background, click Path > Trace Bitmap 2. In the pop-up message, set the Mode and enable Brightness cutoff Only

3. CheckReference the Remove Background box and click OK

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How to Make a Full-Color Background Using a single-color background can make an image stand-out and create depth. A strong background is an easy way to create contrast. Setting a background color follows similar steps to creating a transparent background.

To make a full-color background

1. To change the background, click File > Document Properties 2. In the newly opened Document Properties window, click on the Background color

3. Use the color wheel to choose a color Only

4. Close the pop-up by clicking the ‘X’ in the upper right-hand corner

To color match a current background 1. ToReference copy the color of the image, use the eye-dropper tool from the Toolbox bar 2. Choose the area you want to copy the color of, and click on the image 3. At the bottom of the user interface, right-click the Fill color box For

4. In order to save the color code, click Copy Color

Only 5. To change the background, click File > Document Properties 6. In the newly opened Document Properties window, click on the Background color

7. Right-click the RGBA color code box and press Ctrl+V to paste the color code that you copied

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Changing the foreground of an image

In Inkscape changing the foreground changes the entirety of the graphic. You can use foreground changes to layer textures, change color schemes, and add shading. Altering the texture or color of an image can drastically change the context and purpose of the graphic.

This section will cover the basic knowledge you need to transform foreground of an image, including:

» How to Change an Image to Greyscale » How to Change an Image to Black and White How to Change an Image to Greyscale Greyscale is a new feature in Inkscape 0.91 and can easily be applied to an image through the Filters menu. Greyscale converts a colorized image to one where the only colors are shades of grey. Greyscale images workOnly well in reference documents since they do not need to be printed in color.

To change an image to greyscale

1. To convert the image to greyscale, click Filters > Color

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2. From the drop-down list, click Greyscale

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3. In the pop-up that appears, click Apply Reference For

Image successfully converted to greyscale 14

How to Change an Image to Black and White Black and white monochromatic images can create a striking design. Using a black and white image creates a high-contrast graphic that can easily be printed. Inkscape does not currently have a feature that converts a color image into black and white automatically. In order to create a monochromatic image, you must convert the image into a bitmap.

To change an image to black and white

1. To remove the background, click Path > Trace Bitmap 2. In the pop-up message, set the Brightness cutoff threshold to 0.800 Only

Reference 3. In order to remove the background, check the Remove Background box and click OK 4. An overlapping black and white image will be created; move the top For image to the side and delete the image below 15

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5. Once the image below is deleted, you will be left with a black and white version of your original logo.

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Exporting the image

Inkscape is capable of exporting drawings to various types of vector and bitmap graphics files. You can export an image as a PNG (Portable Network Graphics) file or use ‘Save As’ to save the image in another file formats. By saving an image in multiple formats, you will be able to use and edit the image in different programs.

This section will cover the basic knowledge you need to export an image, including:

» How to Save as an SVG » How to Export as PNG How to Save as an SVG There are several advantages to using the SVG image format. SVG images are open standard for the web, can be printed with high quality atOnly any resolution, and can be zoomed in-or-out without degradation. In order to save the image in a new format, you will need to select the image from the page and change the image to a custom size.

To Save as an SVG

1. In order to save the image in a new format, select the image from the page. 2. Click File > Document Properties 3. In the newly opened Document Properties window, click on the Resize page to drawing or selection button Reference For 17

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4. Click File > Save As Copy... A dialogue box will appear 5. Choose the type of image file format you want and click Save. You can also change the name of the file

The save file format defaults to Inkscape (SVG).

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How to Export as PNG Exporting an image saves the drawing, or part of it, as a PNG file. An exported file is saved separately with a new name. The working image remains saved as a SVG. When exporting an image there are four settings that define the borders of what area of the graphic should be exported. Rather than export the image as a full page, you will be exporting a Selection.

To export as PNG

1. To export the graphic, click into the Export Area and click Selection

2. Change the name of the file or the file location, and clickOnly Export As

3. Click Save 4. To finish exporting the image to your folders, click Export

The graphic will not be exported as a new file until you click Export

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Appendix A: Glossary

The table below defines technical terms used throughout the User Manual.

Name Description Bitmap (BMP) A bitmap or BMP (or raster graphic) is a digital image composed of a matrix of dots

DPI Dots per inch (DPI) is a measure of spatial printing or video dot density

Export Export is a command that saves to all vector and bitmap formats with a new name, keeping the working document in place

GIF GIF or Graphical Interchange is a file format used for web graphics. GIF files are saved in a losslessOnly format Greyscale Greyscale is a range of grey shades from white to black, as used in a monochrome display or printout

Hex Hex is a color code that specifies color by using hexadecimal values. The code represents three separate values that specify the levels of the component colors

JPG/JPEG JPG file is a compressed image format standardized by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). This raster image format is commonly used for storing digital photos.

Monochrome Monochrome is an image that consists of black and white or varying tones of only one color

PNG PNG or Portable Network Graphics is a compressed raster graphic format that supports the "RGBA" color space

Raster Raster graphics are bitmap images that can typically be Graphics scaled down with no loss of quality but enlarging a bitmap Referenceimage causes it to look pixelated. Raster formats include: JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP

RGBA RGBA is a color value that is specified with: RGBA (red, green, blue, alpha). The alpha parameter is a number between 0.0 (fully transparent) and 1.0 (fully opaque)

Save As Save As contains all possible file formats (except PNG) and For saves the graphic with a new name SVG SVG or Scalable Vector Graphics is a vector-based graphic in XML format

Appendix B: Toolbar and Shortcut Reference Guide

This section contains reference information on toolbars, shortcuts, and file formats found in this User’s Manual. Toolbox bar Reference The Toolbox bar is located on the left side of the user interface. The icons used in the Toolbox bar are similar to the icons used in other graphic editing programs. Each icon can create or alter the document. In the program, if you mouseover each icon a pop-up message will display the icon’s properties.

Icon Action Description

Select and Select, freehand move, rotate, flip, and skew objects

Transform tool Edit an object's nodes, handles and segments to set Edit Node tool Only

geometry

Tweak tool Alter an object by sculpting or painting

Zoom tool Access a wide set of zoom operations

Measurement Live on-canvas updates with measurements of length

tool and angles as you pass over objects in your drawing Rectangles and Creates and edits rectangles and squares

Squares tool

3D Box tool Creates 3D boxes

Circles, Ellipses Creates and edits circles, ellipses and arcs

and Arcs tool Star and Creates and edits stars and polygons

Polygon tool

Spiral tool Creates and edits spirals Reference Pencil tool Draws lines in freehand or spiral modes, creating dots

Bézier curves Draws bézier curves and straight lines, spiros, and line

and Lines tool segments

Calligraphy tool Draws calligraphic or brush objects For Text tool Creates and edits text

Sprays clones, copies or single objects by sculpting or Spray tool

painting 21

Icon Action Description

Erases an area from an object or deletes an entire Eraser tool

object Fill (Bucket) Fills objects with a color or gradient and can also color a

tool stroke (border) Creates and edits gradients to an object's stroke and fill Gradient tool

separately Color Picker Picks a color from any image/object to any object within (Eye-Dropper)

the canvas tool

Connector tool Creates diagram connectors

Shortcuts Only There are two keyboard methods available in Inkscape: access keys and shortcuts. Frequently used menu items are assigned keyboard shortcuts which are always displayed to the left of the command or icon.

Access keys can be used by pressing the alt key and the underlined letters. Each command in Inkscape has an underlined letter. This denotes the key that must be pressed.

Access Key Shortcut

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Following the File menu displayed above, the table below sets out the differences between using the access keys and the shortcuts.

Command Access Key Shortcut New Alt+N Ctrl+N

Templates Alt+T Ctrl+Alt+N

Open Alt+O Crtl+O

Open Recent Alt+R None

Revert Alt+V None

Save Alt+S Ctrl+S

Save As Alt+A Shift+Ctrl+S Save a Copy None Shift+Ctrl+Alt+SOnly Import Alt+I Ctrl+I

Export PNG Image Alt+E Shift+Ctrl+E

Import Clip Art None None

Print Alt+P Ctrl+P

Clean Up Document Alt+U None

Document Properties Alt+D Shift+Ctrl+P

Close Alt+C Ctrl+W

Quit Alt+Q Ctrl+Q

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Appendix C: File Formats

Below is a list of the file formats that Inkscape is able to export. The table also sets out the properties of each image format and the program associated.

File Full Name File Format Properties Program Format Associated

DXF Drawing Exchange DXF defines a data file Autodesk used for vector image files

EPS Encapsulated EPS defines a Adobe Systems PostScript PostScript (.PS) file that (Adobe Illustrator, may contain 2D vector Adobe Photoshop, graphics, bitmap Adobe InDesign) images, and text Only ODG OpenDocument ODG defines a vector Apache OpenOffice Graphic graphic file created by Draw Draw

PDF Portable PDF defines a file that Adobe Systems Document Format preserves fonts and (Adobe Illustrator, formatting across Adobe Photoshop, multiple platforms and Adobe InDesign) appears the same on the screen as when printed on paper

PNG Portable Network PNG defines an image PNG does not have Graphic file that contains a any copyright bitmap of indexed colors limitations and can and uses lossless be opened in compression design programs across all platforms PS ReferencePostScript PS defines an image Adobe Systems saved in the PostScript (Adobe Illustrator, page description Adobe Photoshop, language. It may contain Adobe InDesign) vector graphics, raster graphics, and text Forsk1 Sketch/Skencil sk1 file defines a vector sK1 image file created by sK1

File Full Name File Format Properties Program Format Associated

SVG Scalable Vector SVG defines a vector- Inkscape, GIMP, Graphics based graphic in XML Adobe Systems format (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign), Microsoft Visio, CorelDRAW, Corel PaintShop Pro Only

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Appendix D: External Tutorials

Inkscape has created several official tutorials to guide users through the user interface. The tutorials, ranging from beginner to advanced, focus on Inkscape’s design features.

You can find these tutorials through the Help menu in Inkscape or on the Inkscape website.

Click any of the links below to access these tutorials.

» Basic tutorial » Shapes tutorial » Advanced tutorial » Bitmap Tracing tutorial » Pixelart Tracing tutorial » Calligraphy tutorial Only » Interpolate tutorial » Elements of Design tutorial » Tips and Tricks tutorial

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Index A Graphic (see also File, Image) Access Key export 16 reference guide 21, 22 import 6 open 6 open existing 6 B Graphical Interchange format 19 Background Greyscale color match 10 convert to 12, 13 full-color 10 glossary 19 remove 9 transparent 8 Bitmap (BMP) 19 H Black and white Hex 19 convert to 14 Brightness cutoff 9, 14 I Only Icons C used in the guide 2 Canvas area 5 Image (see also File, Graphic) Color match 10 export 16 Command bar 5 import 6 open 6 open existing 6 D Import Dots per inch (DPI) 19 file 6 template 6 E Inkscape Export about 1 area (toolbar) 5 getting started 3 glossary 19 how to navigate 3-6 image as PNG 17 install 1 image as SVG 16 J F Joint Photographic Experts Group File (see also Graphic, Image) (JPG/JPEG) 19 Reference export 16 import 6 K open 6 / open existing 6 File formats 23 L Fill and Stroke 4 / Foreground of image 12

ForFull-Color Background 8 M Menu bar 4 G Monochrome 19 Getting Started 2 Glossary 19

N about 4 Navigate reference guide 20 page 5 Tool Controls bar 4 toolbars 4, 5 Tutorials 25 Transparent Background 8 O Open existing 6 U / P Page V about 5 Vector graphics 1 area 6 Palette bar 5 W Portable Network Graphics (PNG) / file format 23 glossary 19 X save as 18 / Only

Q Y / /

R Z Raster Graphics 19 / RBGA 19 Rules 5

S Save as glossary 19 how to 16, 17 Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) 19 see also SVG Shortcut access key 21 reference guide 21 Snap controlsReference 4 Status bar 5 SVG importance of 1 file format 23 glossary 19 save as 16 For T Toolbars about 4, 5 reference guide 20 Toolbox