Effectively using the selection tool in Inkscape

Inkscapeis a powerful tool for creating and editing vector graphics. The selection toolplays a central role here as it allows you to select, transform, and manipulate objects. In this tutorial, you will discover how to use the selection tool effectivelyto optimize your designs and simplify your workflow.

Key insights

• With the selection tool, you can select, move, duplicate, and transform objects.
• You can select multiple objects at once and adjust selection methods as needed.
• Transformation of objects occurs by dragging at the handles, allowing you to maintain proportions.

Step-by-Step Guide

To use the selection tool effectively, you should follow these steps:

First, you should activate the selection tool to select objects within your document. This is usually done by simply clicking on the respective tool in the toolbar or by selecting it via a keyboard shortcut. Once your selection tool is active, click on an object in the document. You will notice a dashed line and the selection arrow indicating that the object is selectable.

If you want to change the fill color or the stroke color of the selected object, you can select the desired color in the color selection area. Hold down the Shift key to additionally choose a stroke color if desired. To remove a stroke, press the Shift key again and click on the "X" in the color selection area.

Moving objects with the selection tool is simple. Click on the object and drag it to the desired position with your mouse. Additionally, there is a handy method for creating duplicates of objects. Press the "Control" and "D" keys simultaneously to create a duplicate. While you may not see a difference at first, once you move the duplicate, you'll realize that you have successfully copied it.

Another way to create duplicates is to select the object, hold down the left mouse button, and simultaneously press the spacebar. While moving the object, a duplicate will be created. You can press the spacebar as many times as you like to create multiple duplicates in succession.

To select multiple objects at once, you can draw a selection frame. Click and drag around the objects you want to select. All objects within the frame will be selected. Note that for a selection frame that only partially touches objects, only entire objects will be selected.

If you also want to select the objects that your selection frame touches, you can enable an option in the function bar. This ensures that even objects that are just touched will be included in the selection.

If you now want to transform objects using the arrow symbols, click and drag on these handles. Hold down the Shift key to maintain the proportions of your object during the transformation. To scale the object proportionally from the center, you can use the Shift key along with a click and drag.

The ability to rotate the object is also provided with the selection tool. Click on the fixed object so that you see the handles. The central handle shows you the center point of the object around which the rotation occurs. If you want to move the center point, click on it and drag it to the desired position. This way, the object will rotate around the newly defined center point.

If you want to generate new copies while rotating or moving, you can do this anytime by pressing the spacebar. This gives you the freedom to duplicate your objects at will. To reset the center point to the middle of the object, hold down the Shift key and click on the center point.

Finally, if you want to select multiple objects independently of a selection frame, hold down the Shift key and click on the respective objects. This allows you to precisely select which objects you want to target while working with the selection tool.

Furthermore, it is useful to know that you can also switch to the respective tool with a double click on an object, which you used to create the object. This switch allows you to utilize the specific functions of the original tool without having to deselect.

Summary - Using the Selection Tool in Inkscape

The selection tool in Inkscape offers you many options for manipulating and selecting objects. By learning and mastering these functions, you can not only work more efficiently but also create more creative designs.