Hi, I am new to using Inkscape as I have got off from using Adobe Illustrator's trial. One of the things I loved about Illustrator is the gradient mesh tool and I was wondering if the feature is in Inkscape. I am trying to find it but I only see the gradient tool. Just in case it is not in Inkscape, is there another free Illustrator alternative that has a gradient mesh tool (Or if GIMP uses gradient mesh tools as well)?

Thanks for the help.

Welcome to InkscapeForum!

The short answer: Inkscape has an experimental gradient mesh, not available to everyone. I've seen info posted in the google+ page (link in my forum sig) from time to time. I don't think GIMP has, but don't know for sure.

The long answer: Someone else can probably offer a few more details

To expand on Brynn's reply: SVG 1.x (Inkscape's native file format) doesn't support gradient meshes. It's planned as an addition to SVG 2, and the experimental implementation is being used, in part, to finalise the syntax that will be used in the standard. As such it's liable to change frequently and there are no guarantees that compatibility will be maintained between releases.

When SVG 2 does get finalised, this experimental code should mean that Inkscape gains this functionality very quickly... however I wouldn't expect to see a final version of SVG 2 for quite some time yet.

Xav wrote:To expand on Brynn's reply: SVG 1.x (Inkscape's native file format) doesn't support gradient meshes. It's planned as an addition to SVG 2, and the experimental implementation is being used, in part, to finalise the syntax that will be used in the standard. As such it's liable to change frequently and there are no guarantees that compatibility will be maintained between releases.

When SVG 2 does get finalised, this experimental code should mean that Inkscape gains this functionality very quickly... however I wouldn't expect to see a final version of SVG 2 for quite some time yet.

Okay, guess that explains why I can't find it in Inkscape.

Still, is there an alternative like another program that supports gradient meshes or techniques? I am doing an art portfolio to get an internship and I would like to show that I know a thing or two about illustrator. problem is that the price (including the student edition) is turning me away to free alternatives but now I find that Inkscape doesn't have all the features of Illustrator so now I am concerned if employers would turn me away if I don't use tools like gradient meshes.

Generally speaking, is there another program that supports most of Illustrators tools? Thanks and I hope to see the gradient mesh tool on Inkscape one day.

if you're working on windows you can download a tool to make diffusion curves

http://maverick.inria.fr/Publications/2 ... /index.php

Diffusion curves are just way better than meshes. It'll make a great portfolio.