Converting a bunch of nodes into some paths

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batfastad
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:34 pm

Converting a bunch of nodes into some paths

Postby batfastad » Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:35 am

Hi everyone

I've just done a bitmap trace, and it all worked well. I've just finished polishing up some node positions and curves.
But when I dropped it over my background, I suddenly realised it wouldn't work exactly as I wanted so I need a bit of help to convert this into a set of separate shapes.

Here's my image:
http://www.highbeeches.plus.com/inkscapepathsq1.png
The word ROX is what was traced from a bitmap and all those nodes that are highlighted are all one shape/object. And all on their own layer.

I'd like to get that bunch of nodes into something like this:
http://www.highbeeches.plus.com/inkscapepathsq2.png
Shown as a quick flood fill in GIMP for the example.
Ideally I'd like to be able to change the white fill to any colour, and also change the black outline to any colour. So the black outlines would need to be converted to some sort of non-uniform stroke, if that's possible.
I'd also like to preserve the centre of the circles in the R and O as transparent, so the background layer shows through.

I'm new to Inkscape and vector graphics in general so I can't work out what sequence I need to use the commands in the Path menu to get the desired effect.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks, B

Grant Morrison
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:27 am

Re: Converting a bunch of nodes into some paths

Postby Grant Morrison » Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:22 am

It might be helpful to pull the 'ROX' off of the rest of the logo temporarily to make it easier to see what you're doing here. Also make a copy first...just in case something goofs up.

path - break apart
view - display mode - outline

shift + click select the outline of main text one letter at a time, including what will be the inner part of 'R' and 'O' ( Not the inner part of the black outline or inline!) Should be 5 selections.

choose a color - any color will be fine...use red though

object - raise to top
path - combine
view - normal

drag select outline & text
shift + click anywhere on red
select color black
path - combine

Hope this works for you.
You should be able to change the lettering color & outline separately now.

batfastad
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:34 pm

Re: Converting a bunch of nodes into some paths

Postby batfastad » Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:04 pm

Ok I think I'm getting there, using the break apart and combine commands.
But how can I get the centre of the circle in the R and the centre of the O to be transparent to the layer below?

Cheers, B

User avatar
EarlyBlake
Posts: 302
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 5:42 pm

Re: Converting a bunch of nodes into some paths

Postby EarlyBlake » Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:50 pm

If combined doesn't do to for you use, exclusion. Also under the path menu. You may have to do a couple of breath aparts to get the inner circle separate from the rest of the path. Be prepared to undo and save a back up copy of that path. Exclusion opens a hole in the fill of a path. If you are still having trouble try this tutorial: http://screencasters.heathenx.org/wp-co ... ep002.html

batfastad
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:34 pm

Re: Converting a bunch of nodes into some paths

Postby batfastad » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:45 am

Ok I've got it sorted, mainly through trial and error. I'll keep going over it though to try and work it out.

Loving Inkscape though :D The interface is such a step above other graphics progams, all the functions are easy to get to. Not through 3 levels of pop out menus.
Good work developers, and keep it up!


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