I would like to set a default work directory in inscape so that when I choose to open a file it will go to that directory. I changed the property setting in the shortcut to start at a given directory but that had no effect.
Thanks for any help.

I'm not sure how to change the default path, but you can "Add" a folder as a "place" on the left area of the Open dialogue so you can quickly jump to a folder.

Thanks! That will do me for now.