When I "Copy and Paste" simple objects, like rectangles and elipses, the copies come out fuzzy; as if they are bit maps or are blurred. Is there something wrong in my set-up preferences?

Also can I use the "Transform" command to make copies but keep the original in place? This would be a "Duplicate" or "Step and Repeat" process.

Thank you for any illumination that you can send me.

GM

Are you on a Mac?

GatorMaker wrote:When I "Copy and Paste" simple objects, like rectangles and elipses, the copies come out fuzzy; as if they are bit maps or are blurred. Is there something wrong in my set-up preferences?

If you are working on Mac OS X (Snow) Leopard, please change the X11 pasteboard preferences as described in the Inkscape FAQ "Copying and pasting in Inkscape creates pixellated images instead of copying the vector objects"…
… or read the comment in the earlier topic "Mac Snow Leopard?" describing the changes you have to make in the X11/Xquartz settings if using Inkscape 0.47 (applies for Leopard and Snow Leopard), including a screenshot of the X11 preferences pane.

GatorMaker wrote:Also can I use the "Transform" command to make copies but keep the original in place? This would be a "Duplicate" or "Step and Repeat" process.

Not possible with the commands in the 'Objects > Transform…' dialog, but you can 'stamp objects' by pressing the space bar to drop a copy while dragging the selected object(s) with the mouse (use e.g. snap to grid to position the dropped copies or <Ctrl>+drag to snap to rotation angles according to the 'Steps' preferences setting).

Thank you for the very quick response. I should have explained much more than I did. I am on an iMac running the OS-X "Snow Leopard." I am a recovering PC user with some knowledge of CorelDraw. I was completely daunted by the $1400 price tag on Adobe and have been struggling with Inkscape and Gimp. Both seem to be from a different universe, but they seem to be good, solid programs that I need to buckle down and learn. The good thing about them is that there are many competent and kind people who are willing to help. Thank you again and have a great day.