Chapter 1. Inkscape 101: The Basics

Inkscape is an open source, free program that creates vector-based graphics that can be used in Web, print, and screen design as well as interface and logo creation, and material cutting. Its capabilities are similar to those of commercial products such as Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, and CorelDraw and can be used for any number of practical purposes—creating vector graphics for use in illustrations, business letterheads, computer and electronic wallpapers, designing logos, and—as is the focus of this book—designing web pages and the elements within web page design.

This book's purpose is to help you learn to use Inkscape to help develop web pages. We'll start at the beginning of design, the principles of web design, then move to wireframe and mockups development and then learn how to export all of your images and files for use in the HTML development. There will also be information about how to enhance your web page designs by learning the ins and outs of using Inkscape as a graphics tool for creating icons, backgrounds, buttons, blog designs, flowcharts, diagrams, site maps, banner advertisements, and more.

Specifically, this book will teach you how to:

However, before learning the details on how to use Inkscape, let's take a step back and define vector graphics, how computer displays and vector graphics work together, and why we want to use them in web design.