Hi all.
I need to create some patterns with many circles, but with differents sizes, possibly random.
I started to work with tiled clones, but i have a problem. In the Scale section, there are two Randomize fields, for X and Y, but each of them scales the clones in only one direction, so I obtain a bunch of ellipses, instead than circles. I did not find a method to lock the scaling on the two direction.
There is a way to obtain a similar effect, but maintaining the circular shape?

Thanks

Hi.

For a random pattern, you can use the spray can tool then the align and distribute panel,
then to change the sizes, the tweak tool.
Maybe release the clone links or move the parent object outside of the clones before.

Another approach would be to create a random background image (e.g. a rectangle with a noise filter applied), then use the Trace tab of the tiled clones dialog to alter the size of the clones based on the colour of the background. You can still also use the Randomise fields on the Shift tab to randomise the positions. It might need a bit of tweaking to get the "right" amount of randomness. Once you're done you can just remove the background image.

http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... Trace.html

Thanks,
I will try both the suggested methods.

I can't actually reproduce the original problem. If I try to create tiled clones of a circle, and set the same value in both the Randomise fields, I end up with an array of randomly sized circles, not an array of ellipses.

I'm on Inkscape 0.48.4 on Linux. Antlab, can you confirm which version you're using and on what platform, in case there's a bug to be filed.

Checked that.
If the scale and random factors in x direction don't match with the y, it produces ellipses,
if the same values are set, circles.