Can you create layers with Inkscape?

Question

I've scanned a bunch of my drawings onto my computer, and tried to make digital line art out of them using GIMP. The problem is, since it's hard to find a place to connect my tablet on the desktop, I often have to use the Shift+Click method. The line art tends to look quite... chunky when I finish with it.

I looked around and found out about Inkscape, but in all of the videos I've watched about it, I never once saw a layer being made. This could be a major problem... but I'm very optimistic.

So... can you create layers with Inkscape? Oh, and is it free?

Answer 1

Inkscape is Open Source like GIMP, and like GIMP it is absolutely free.



Yes you can use layers in Inkscape, but it's not necessary for most drawings. All vector objects in Inkscape are layered above or below every other object whether or not you put them on separate layers. Even without putting things on separate layers, you can still move things in front or behind other things.



It won't be a major problem if you decide not to use layers. Layers are actually pretty insignificant when it comes to vector drawings, they don't play the same important role as they do in raster image editing software like GIMP.



The best use I have found for layers in vector imaging software is where you need to lock a layer (such as a scanned drawing) in place while you create a vector drawing above it, so you don't accidentally click on it and move it. Obviously if you have lots of objects in a drawing, layers could make it easier to find your way around and organise your drawing. Although I have personally found grouping objects to be more useful.



When you are using Inkscape, you have to forget GIMP because it is nothing like GIMP at all. Almost nothing in Inkscape is comparable to GIMP, except perhaps GIMP's paths tool.



Also tablets are not as useful in Inkscape as you might think. OK, they are fine for drawing freehand calligraphic/brush strokes but absolutely useless when it comes to editing vectors. A mouse is much more useful.

Answer 2

Hope the attached image answers your question.

Answer 3

Yes, Inkscape supports layers.

Yes, Inkscape is free.



To bring up the layers thingy in Inkscape, go to the Layer menu and choose "Layers..." at the bottom. (Or press Shift+Ctrl+L.)



Layers in Inkscape are a bit different from layers in a raster graphics editor like The GIMP or Photoshop. In a raster graphics editor, layers are essential for keeping different parts of the image separate from one another so you can manipulate them individually.



Inkscape is a vector graphics package. In a vector graphics editor, every line or shape you draw is created as a logically separate object. You can always go back and select an object you drew and then change it, delete it, resize it, add an effect to it. You can "group" objects to make them act as one object and then "ungroup" them to make them separate again. (Actually, in Inkscape you can just double click on an item in a group to "enter" the group and edit it without having to ungroup). In vector graphics, layers are still useful, particularly when you have a mass of drawing objects and are finding it hard to select the one you want to manipulate, but they do not always have the same role as they do in raster graphics.

Answer 4

i like artweaver its unfastened and made for the artist elementary to comprehend gimp ok yet kinda drives me nuts inkscape a touch too plenty and document length is strange like if needed to positioned on pc for historic past it does not in advantageous condition additionally printer places desire to apply jpeg if desire your to be printed on shirt like if goto a mall place the photograph i did the photograph via call exchange into with artweaver sturdy good fortune bub101 additionally get artweaver 5.7 and 10. 5.7 older yet can do extra then 10 they desire you to purchase ten to get extra yet 5.7 has alot of stuff so dont would desire to pay yet would desire to purchase 10 if desire to

Answer 5

Yes, it's free, and yes, you can create layers.