how do you clone with a different color ?

what's our option

A) set the color of base shape. clone it. change color of clone. it doesn't work.

B) set the color of base shap. clone it. change color of clone. color of clone is ok but base shape is uncolored (black)

so how can you set and the color of base shape and the color of clone ?

I'm not sure what you're asking v1nce. The only way that I know of to change the color of a clone, is to change the original object's color. But both objects (clone and original) always have the same color....unless you're using tiled clones with some color/transpareny options. I don't understand what you mean about the base shape being "uncolored (black)".... Oorrr....

Oh ok, I think I know what you're asking. When you're using the Tiled Clones dialog, and you want to use some color options, you have to set the original's color to Unset, which makes it black. But then, on the Color tab of the dialog, there's an Initial Color setting. If you click the small black rectangle, you can choose the original color. Then whatever options you choose will work on that original color (even though the original object still looks black).

But if that doesn't asnwer your question, would you please clarify?

> even though the original object still looks black

My question is why do we need an original shape with color unset (that I need to hide somewhere) and two clones ?
Why can't I have a Blue reference and a Red Clone ?

v1nce wrote:My question is why do we need an original shape with color unset (that I need to hide somewhere) and two clones ?
Why can't I have a Blue reference and a Red Clone ?

Well, I think you are such an expert in Inkscape that this is not a 'how-to' question but a philosophical or 'why' question.
So I guess my answer is that by the very definition of 'Clone' I expect to get an object that is exactly the same as the original, down to the color. For something that starts out being exactly the same but can be changed - either in shape or color - after creation independently from the original I would look to the 'Duplicate' feature.
The fact that you can use an 'unset' fill or stroke to keep the clone linked to the original while changing its color attributes is - to my way of thinking - sort of a bonus feature added to the concept of clone.
I guess if we combined your question with my idea of 'Clone' we would have three menu items instead of one - Full clone, clone shape, and clone style. Why not?

Oh, I can't answer as to "why"! Perhaps you could check the mailing list archives or something, for the "why". Unfortunately, I've lost my link to the archives, so I can't refer you. But someone should know...if you don't already.

Should I move this to Software Issues subforum?