This is a read-only archive of the inkscapeforum.com site. You can search for info here or post new questions and comments at I am looking for a Vector Graphics Editor for occasional use and various articles pointed me to Inkscape.
I use Windows 7 32bit. In January I downloaded what looked like the correct file from your website: Inkskape-0.48.0-1-win32.7z
Having found no accompanying Installation Guide, I clicked on Extract. I created a folder called Inkskape-0.48.0-1-win32, and under that a folder called inkscape. Under that, the was no installation guide, User Manual or other documentation, only a file README, which had much information about different operating systems and seemed to be saying for it to work in Windows I needed to install other things eg Cygwin and make other manual alterations. At that point, unclear what to do next to actually install to use, I had to leave to another time.
Last month I searched the web for Installation Guide or User Manual and downloaded 13 inkscape documents, but NON gave any info on installing Inkscape for Windows. eg InkscapeDocumentation.htm gave reference to paper books by a Tavmjong, and simply said the "Inkscape User Manual is a work in progress" ! It states there is an official tutorial: Basic tutorial - but it has nothing on instalation, likewise ReleaseNotes047.
I would be grateful if you can tell me where I can find a) the installation guide for windows 32-bit [online], and b) the correct current hopefully zipped file, for Windows 7 32-bit. (today can only find a current 0.48.1-2.exe - no zipped .7z)
Finally, as mentioned above, I only occasionally create vector graphics drawings, usually buildings layouts, sometimes other objects I need to create layered objects within each drawing, preferably saved in user object libraries.
Due to the occasional use, I dont want to use any App that has steep learning curve eg. Illustrator. In years past, I have used 'SmartDraw' and Serif 'DrawPlus'
Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
Welcome paul481!
Hhhm.... There's not an installation guide that I know of. I think this is the download that you're looking for: http://sourceforge.net/projects/inkscap ... z/download. So download first. Then if you have a previous version that you don't want to keep, be sure to uninstall it. After that, I'm not sure.
Is there some reason that you want the zipped file? Because for me, it's easier to use the EXE (green button on this page: http://sourceforge.net/projects/inkscape/). All you have to do is double-click on the file (after downloading, of course) and a "wizard" walks you through the rest of the installation. You don't have to download anything else.
If you are used to using other graphics programs, Inkscape will have a learning curve. Perhaps not so steep, but it really depends on your current knowledge and experience. I started using Inkscape as a complete graphics novice, so I did have a steep learning curve, lol!
Basics - Help menu > Tutorials
Manual - Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program
Inkscape Community - Inkscape FAQ - Gallery
Inkscape for Cutting Design
Manual - Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program
Inkscape Community - Inkscape FAQ - Gallery
Inkscape for Cutting Design
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
Thanks for your welcome. The first link in your post, points to the same .exe filename I downloaded yesterday. Again I ask if Inkscape-0.48.1-2.?? the correct version for Windows 7 32 bit as the download page did not make clear.
The sourceforge download page says users have a choice of exe or 7z version - BUT, when I click on 7z, am presented with a .exe !!!
The reason I always choose zipped versions over .exe is because a) I prefer to be quite cautious installing unknown software onto my laptop and normally read any installation docs, tips etc prior to install, and some Apps that don't have external docs, include them in the zipped package (many Apps have a number of install options, and I rather understand/choose my preferred options in advance) and b) I normally retain the downloaded file in my App source directory, so if it has a 7z or zip extension, then it guarantees I will not later mistake the installation file from the post-installation runtime file which is normally an .exe, as I have quite a few portable type Apps that I prefer to open from their source folder. Also, when backingup Apps, for overall system management it is also much clearer that it is the downloaded installer if it has a .7z extension.
When I first visited your site in January, when I clicked on the .7z choice on the download page, I got a .7z file. Hence my query why can't I get a .7z version of the current build ?
Coming back to my concern about lack of an Installation Guide, in years past I have been tripped up installing poorly documented Apps, that have either crashed or not worked at all due to some missing dependancy, and are then difficult to 100% clean off my system, again not helped by lack of documentation. I am therefore now reluctant to install Apps where you cannot read in advance the proper install & uninstall procedure. I have also learnt over the years (many tech guides often says the same) to keep a minimum of Apps on your pc for best pc health, and so think carefully before adding another. On this pc, I have NO Vector Graphics Editor, hence reading for recommendations, and interest in your 'open software'
As mentioned, the only file I saw was the README in the January .7z which mentiioned cygwin. But your reply said if I install using the .exe & wizard, I dont need to download anything else. If so, and you confirm there is no .7z version of current release, but that Inkscape-0.48.1-2.exe is the correct installer for Windows 7 32 bit, then I may take a chance and try it.
Today I visited a page for inkscape floss manual which had 3 download buttons: EPUB, PDF, Print. My preferance was EPUB but nothing happened when I clicked on EPUB or PDF. I then tried the 'Print' button. (I have no printer). That did download the manual as a single.html
The sourceforge download page says users have a choice of exe or 7z version - BUT, when I click on 7z, am presented with a .exe !!!
The reason I always choose zipped versions over .exe is because a) I prefer to be quite cautious installing unknown software onto my laptop and normally read any installation docs, tips etc prior to install, and some Apps that don't have external docs, include them in the zipped package (many Apps have a number of install options, and I rather understand/choose my preferred options in advance) and b) I normally retain the downloaded file in my App source directory, so if it has a 7z or zip extension, then it guarantees I will not later mistake the installation file from the post-installation runtime file which is normally an .exe, as I have quite a few portable type Apps that I prefer to open from their source folder. Also, when backingup Apps, for overall system management it is also much clearer that it is the downloaded installer if it has a .7z extension.
When I first visited your site in January, when I clicked on the .7z choice on the download page, I got a .7z file. Hence my query why can't I get a .7z version of the current build ?
Coming back to my concern about lack of an Installation Guide, in years past I have been tripped up installing poorly documented Apps, that have either crashed or not worked at all due to some missing dependancy, and are then difficult to 100% clean off my system, again not helped by lack of documentation. I am therefore now reluctant to install Apps where you cannot read in advance the proper install & uninstall procedure. I have also learnt over the years (many tech guides often says the same) to keep a minimum of Apps on your pc for best pc health, and so think carefully before adding another. On this pc, I have NO Vector Graphics Editor, hence reading for recommendations, and interest in your 'open software'
As mentioned, the only file I saw was the README in the January .7z which mentiioned cygwin. But your reply said if I install using the .exe & wizard, I dont need to download anything else. If so, and you confirm there is no .7z version of current release, but that Inkscape-0.48.1-2.exe is the correct installer for Windows 7 32 bit, then I may take a chance and try it.
Today I visited a page for inkscape floss manual which had 3 download buttons: EPUB, PDF, Print. My preferance was EPUB but nothing happened when I clicked on EPUB or PDF. I then tried the 'Print' button. (I have no printer). That did download the manual as a single.html
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
paul481 wrote:The first link in your post, points to the same .exe filename I downloaded yesterday.
That link Brynn provide is indeed for the 7z version, not the .exe version. You might want to try downloading it in a different browser--your browser might be making some poor assumptions about the file format and forcing the incorrect type. If you don't have another browser, I suspect it will be fine to just rename the file to .7z and extract it as per normal.
You can see every package offered at this page - http://sourceforge.net/projects/inkscap ... pe/0.48.1/
I can confirm that the 7z link on that page is the same as what Brynn provided and does download the 7z version.
Inkscape does not "require" any dependencies to be installed seperately for it to work. But if you want to open and edit some less common file types you may then need to download and install third-party software.
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
Many thanks for the URL to the various versions of Inkscape for Windows. That was very helpful as it had a 7z version of the latest version. That unpacked as before. Of the large number of files, it has a Inkscape.exe and Inkscape.com. Can I assume the Inkscape.exe is the installer ?
Two further questions: I remember in SmartDraw, it had a Preference to setup a false x-y origin in co-ordinate space, which together with Printing Margins, allowed one to easily locate ones drawing within the printable area of an A4 sheet for example. I found that very useful. Can one do the same in Inkscape ?
Second question was if any predefined ope-source object libraries are available. In SmartDraw, there was an included library for building floor layouts, where one could 'pick' predefined drawing objects like windows, doors (lift or right opening), tables, chairs, wash=basins, toilets etc - all with scaling handles. It saved a lot of time not having to build such objects oneself.
Two further questions: I remember in SmartDraw, it had a Preference to setup a false x-y origin in co-ordinate space, which together with Printing Margins, allowed one to easily locate ones drawing within the printable area of an A4 sheet for example. I found that very useful. Can one do the same in Inkscape ?
Second question was if any predefined ope-source object libraries are available. In SmartDraw, there was an included library for building floor layouts, where one could 'pick' predefined drawing objects like windows, doors (lift or right opening), tables, chairs, wash=basins, toilets etc - all with scaling handles. It saved a lot of time not having to build such objects oneself.
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
Many thanks for the URL to the various versions of Inkscape for Windows. That was very helpful as it had a 7z version of the latest version. That unpacked as before. Of the large number of files, it has a Inkscape.exe and Inkscape.com. Can I assume the Inkscape.exe is the installer ?
I don't know why or how that link offered you the .EXE? Maybe you clicked on the other one, since I provided a link to each - the 7Z and the EXE. But in any case, I'm glad you finally got the file you wanted
By "Of the large number of files..." do you mean the list of files found here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/inkscap ... pe/0.48.1/? If so, then I think you may have a typographical error with "...it has a Inkscape.exe and Inkscape.com". I don't know what you meant instead of "Inkscape.com". But afaik, all the files listed there are installation files. Whether you want to install in a sort of automated way (ie - with a "wizard" type of installation) for EXE or by unzipping for 7Z, or I think ones with TAR.GZ have to be "compiled" although I don't really know what compiling is -- they are all various means of installing this version of Inkscape. Actually at the top of the list on that page is a "Windows-readme.txt". Maybe that would have more info for you?? (I haven't read it myself.)
Two further questions: I remember in SmartDraw, it had a Preference to setup a false x-y origin in co-ordinate space, which together with Printing Margins, allowed one to easily locate ones drawing within the printable area of an A4 sheet for example. I found that very useful. Can one do the same in Inkscape ?
Not that I know of, although there may be other ways to achieve what you want. You can set the image size to any that you want, so that you would not have to look around an A4 sheet for the drawing. You could use Guides to mark the area. Or you could use the A4 image size, and set margins in Document Properties > Page tab > Page Size > Orientation. Also you could use a Grid to help define the coordinate space. But I don't think the rulers can be moved or adjusted in such a way that you could draw a line from 0,1 to 5,1 which actually lies at (e.g.) 6,3 to 11,3.
Second question was if any predefined ope-source object libraries are available. In SmartDraw, there was an included library for building floor layouts, where one could 'pick' predefined drawing objects like windows, doors (lift or right opening), tables, chairs, wash=basins, toilets etc - all with scaling handles. It saved a lot of time not having to build such objects oneself.
Not that I know of, although I would certainly be interested to see any, if they do exist somewhere. You could look at the Open Clipart Library though (http://www.openclipart.org/). You might find some packages of such drawings there, which could be used like an object library....sort of..... Or else as you mentioned, create them yourself.
And from your message just above, which it looks like micro must have overlooked this part:
Today I visited a page for inkscape floss manual which had 3 download buttons: EPUB, PDF, Print. My preferance was EPUB but nothing happened when I clicked on EPUB or PDF. I then tried the 'Print' button. (I have no printer). That did download the manual as a single.htmlBasics - Help menu > Tutorials
Manual - Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program
Inkscape Community - Inkscape FAQ - Gallery
Inkscape for Cutting Design
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
@brnn
Thanks for your reply. The inkscape.com file I refered to is not on the website, but contained in the inkscape folder when you unzip the .7z file. You mention tar and compiling but you dont know about that - you shouldn't need to know about that, as it's to do with Linux - nothing to do with MS Windows.
An advantages of using MS Windows for must be 25 years now, to install a new App, normally all you do is either click on a self-extracting setup.exe, or unzip a collection, where the Readme or Install notes tell you WHICH file to click on, in order to install the package - Windows Apps are normally that simple, unless badly written.
I see from an earlier reply, if I accept to download the .exe version, clicking on it, should start an Install Wizard - with which I am familiar, as that is a common feature once one knows which is the Setup file to initiate the installation. However, basic user documentation should state HOW to reach that point, i.e. once the user has unzipped the .7z, WHICH file to click on, and if from that point, does an Install Wizard guide the rest of the way ?
So my initial question "Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?" should have a very simple answer !
I am surprised no simple answer on how to easily install Inkscape for Windows has been posted.
Thanks for recommending the tavmjong guide, and that its used when clicking on Help. I don't always have internet access, and its a slow 3G when I have, so would much prefer it was available offline via the Help button, although I see there is an increasing trend to make help files less readily accessible than in years past. Not wishing to buy a manual just to find out about Inkscape, I briefly looked in the online version and see although it caters for computer novices by giving detailed explanation of difference between Raster & Vector Graphics, it doesnt cover Installation !
I looked for co-ordinate system and saw a section titled "Positioning and Transforming » Inkscape Coordinates" Although very informative, it made no mention of being able to set a False Origin. Many but not all Drawing Programs allow a False Origin.
I quote here a definition from a Dictionary of False Origin, as used in Geographic Mapping systems:
"Location of the starting coordinates picked to the south and west of the true origin of a rectangular coordinate system. False origins are used to avoid negative coordinates". I found it very useful when constructing vector drawings in the past. You mention being able to set Paper Type and Margins
I looked briefly on the homepage of the clipart link you gave. It lists many art categories, but nothing looking like a collection for use by floor plan layouts or architectural drawing. If I decide to invest more time and install/learn Inkscape, I will look for such predefined objects later. Maybe able to copy from some of my old SmartDraw drawings - although seem to remember a feature of SmartDraw was limited Export - hence my interest in this SVG format.
Thanks for your reply. The inkscape.com file I refered to is not on the website, but contained in the inkscape folder when you unzip the .7z file. You mention tar and compiling but you dont know about that - you shouldn't need to know about that, as it's to do with Linux - nothing to do with MS Windows.
An advantages of using MS Windows for must be 25 years now, to install a new App, normally all you do is either click on a self-extracting setup.exe, or unzip a collection, where the Readme or Install notes tell you WHICH file to click on, in order to install the package - Windows Apps are normally that simple, unless badly written.
I see from an earlier reply, if I accept to download the .exe version, clicking on it, should start an Install Wizard - with which I am familiar, as that is a common feature once one knows which is the Setup file to initiate the installation. However, basic user documentation should state HOW to reach that point, i.e. once the user has unzipped the .7z, WHICH file to click on, and if from that point, does an Install Wizard guide the rest of the way ?
So my initial question "Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?" should have a very simple answer !
I am surprised no simple answer on how to easily install Inkscape for Windows has been posted.
Thanks for recommending the tavmjong guide, and that its used when clicking on Help. I don't always have internet access, and its a slow 3G when I have, so would much prefer it was available offline via the Help button, although I see there is an increasing trend to make help files less readily accessible than in years past. Not wishing to buy a manual just to find out about Inkscape, I briefly looked in the online version and see although it caters for computer novices by giving detailed explanation of difference between Raster & Vector Graphics, it doesnt cover Installation !
I looked for co-ordinate system and saw a section titled "Positioning and Transforming » Inkscape Coordinates" Although very informative, it made no mention of being able to set a False Origin. Many but not all Drawing Programs allow a False Origin.
I quote here a definition from a Dictionary of False Origin, as used in Geographic Mapping systems:
"Location of the starting coordinates picked to the south and west of the true origin of a rectangular coordinate system. False origins are used to avoid negative coordinates". I found it very useful when constructing vector drawings in the past. You mention being able to set Paper Type and Margins
I looked briefly on the homepage of the clipart link you gave. It lists many art categories, but nothing looking like a collection for use by floor plan layouts or architectural drawing. If I decide to invest more time and install/learn Inkscape, I will look for such predefined objects later. Maybe able to copy from some of my old SmartDraw drawings - although seem to remember a feature of SmartDraw was limited Export - hence my interest in this SVG format.
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
It allows to use Inkscape as command-line application e.g. in batch files.paul481 wrote: The inkscape.com file I refered to is not on the website, but contained in the inkscape folder when you unzip the .7z file.
The zip and 7z archives for the windows version of Inkscape ('inkscape-0.48.1-2-win32.zip', 'inkscape-0.48.1-2-win32.7z') don't have to be installed (i.e. they do not include an installer): just unpacked them into a new folder, and click on the inkscape.exe file to launch the application. If you need or prefer the installer, download the exe file from sf.net ('Inkscape-0.48.1-2.exe').paul481 wrote:once the user has unzipped the .7z, WHICH file to click on, and if from that point, does an Install Wizard guide the rest of the way ?
You can't change the origin of the coordinate system (but it's a known feature request).paul481 wrote:it made no mention of being able to set a False Origin
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
So my initial question "Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?" should have a very simple answer !
I am surprised no simple answer on how to easily install Inkscape for Windows has been posted.
The simple answer is my original answer -- There is no installation guide.
And the simple answer on how to install Inkscape on Windows is:
1 -- download the EXE file
2 -- double-click on it
3 -- follow the "wizard"
I'm sorry that we've not been able to satisfy you. I'm not like a power user or anything, and I've never known anything but 'double-click the installation file or unzip it'. But the good news is that since Inkscape is open source, you are more than welcome to submit bug reports or new feature requests via Launchpad (https://launchpad.net/inkscape). Please first search to make sure no one has already requested an installation guide. If so, add your "vote" by clicking "does this affect you too?" (or something like that, I forget the exact wording). If you're really passionate and have some skills, you might even write up a sample guide for developers to consider. It doesn't sound like something that would consume a lot of development time, and probably pretty easy to add (at least it doesn't sound so to me, but I'm not a developer).
You might also want to look at what is planned for Inkscape in the future: http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/Roadmap I hope you will eventually find that Inkscape is worth the time invested in learning to use it. In many ways it is already a very powerful vector graphics editor, and the only way to go from here is up! (imo)
All best
Basics - Help menu > Tutorials
Manual - Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program
Inkscape Community - Inkscape FAQ - Gallery
Inkscape for Cutting Design
Manual - Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program
Inkscape Community - Inkscape FAQ - Gallery
Inkscape for Cutting Design
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
@~suv
Thankyou very much for your clear complete answers to my queries and suggestions on how to improve Inkscape: your post explaining the difference between the .7z & .exe files should be part of the Window-Readme.txt.
As mentioned in earlier post, wherever I have the option, I always download the zipped version of any App, as its zip extension makes absolutely clear this is the downloaded setup of the App, not the runtime installed version.
From what you say, it sounds like the Inkscape .7z version, once unpacked into a folder, is in effect, a self-contained 'PORTABLE' version of Inkscape ? (Unless I am just trialling an App, for more regular use, I don't select the Portable versions, as they often have more limited features)
My last question I hope, before actually trying Inkscape: if indeed the .7z file is a Portable version, does Inkscape behave identically to, and have same features as the .exe installed version ?
Thankyou very much for your clear complete answers to my queries and suggestions on how to improve Inkscape: your post explaining the difference between the .7z & .exe files should be part of the Window-Readme.txt.
As mentioned in earlier post, wherever I have the option, I always download the zipped version of any App, as its zip extension makes absolutely clear this is the downloaded setup of the App, not the runtime installed version.
From what you say, it sounds like the Inkscape .7z version, once unpacked into a folder, is in effect, a self-contained 'PORTABLE' version of Inkscape ? (Unless I am just trialling an App, for more regular use, I don't select the Portable versions, as they often have more limited features)
My last question I hope, before actually trying Inkscape: if indeed the .7z file is a Portable version, does Inkscape behave identically to, and have same features as the .exe installed version ?
Re: Where is the Windows Installation Guide ?
paul481 wrote:From what you say, it sounds like the Inkscape .7z version, once unpacked into a folder, is in effect, a self-contained 'PORTABLE' version of Inkscape ? (Unless I am just trialling an App, for more regular use, I don't select the Portable versions, as they often have more limited features)
My last question I hope, before actually trying Inkscape: if indeed the .7z file is a Portable version, does Inkscape behave identically to, and have same features as the .exe installed version ?
The 'portable' version of Inkscape is a separate package: 'InkscapePortable_0.48.1.paf.exe ', which was created from the installer version like other apps provided by portableapps.com (it has the same feature set as the installer version: in my understanding the changes only affect the default paths (e.g. where the user preferences are stored) to avoid having any data written to the local harddisk. All settings are stored on the USB stick instead of '%APPDATA%\Inkscape').
The zip and 7z archives on the other hand are «the complete runnable distributions, with all support files and locales included. » as is described on the web page for the win32 development snapshots (which are only provided as 7z archives). AFAIU you do have to create any shortcuts and menu entries yourself if using Inkscape from the archive, whereas the installer version does create those for the user (and provides means to uninstall the application).
As far as I understand (mind you - I don't work on Windows, and never used Inkscape's Windows version (with installer, or from a zip/7z archive) myself) - the zip/7z archives are useful to have several different Inkscape versions on your computer and possibly preferred by those testing current development builds (the debug symbols are provided as separate download to allow debugging the application and create meaningful backtraces even if there's no full build environment for Inkscape installed on the system).
Maybe other Windows users who have used the version from the zip/7z archives (stable or development builds) can chime in here? Any comments or corrections to above explanations? ;)