I am not an artist or graphic designer, and my use of Inkscape is hobby-related. So, forgive me in advance if my question is stupid.
I am trying to draw a map for a wargame, divided into hexagons. Hexagons are used to regulate movement, and represent different terrains. The map I am drawing has 2,240 hexagons, but only around seven or eight terrain-types. So, I have created some hexagons containing patterns that represent the terrain necessary, and what I am trying to do is to use the Paste Style command to copy those basic designs to larger blocks of similar terrain. The problem is, the method works for some hexes (i.e., they reproduce exactly the model hex), but for others the pattern gets distorted and I have to go to the pattern controls and wrestle each hex into place. Doing that takes a lot of time, and is very annoying. Is there a way to use the paste style command (or other Inkscape resource) to transfer patterns without having to deal with handles about half the time? Thanks in advance.
I took a quick look at your file (thanks for sharing the SVG - it makes it much easier!). You problem is that the pattern fill is not lining up with the hexagon shape. If you click one of the 'problem' hexagons with the node tool, you'll see there are some other nodes appear that allow you shift the pattern around (you may need to zoom out a little, as they aren't always in the same place.) Once you move these, your pattern will line up. I think that, because you're pasting the same style, the pattern isn't moving, whereas the object you're pasting into is in a different location.
I've attached a screenshot showing what the pattern nodes look like. Grab the 'X' and drag it, and this will move the pattern.
If you'll forgive me for saying, I don't think you're going about the construction of the file in the right way. Are you aware of Inkscape's Clones feature? This sounds like a case made for clones. You would create your base 7 or 8 terrain types, then you can create as many clones as you need of these. This will avoid any problem with pattern fills and repeatedly copying & pasting pattern fills. I would create a base shape, complete with stroke, then create a few hundred clones of each (or however many you think you'll need). If you turn on snapping, it'll be easy to snap them into alignment.
Or, it may be even easier to experiment with Tiled Clones. This can create the basic grid layout for you and you can substitute terrain tiles as you need. To do this, using the Stars & Polygons tool, create a hexagon, then try the settings at the link below to create a grid
I hope I'm not being presumptuous in offering this unasked for advice, but I feel you're giving yourself more work than is necessary, and it might well be worth your time learning a little about clones.
I have really zero experience in using vector programs, so any advice is welcome.
To generate the base map I've used a boardgame extension (that's what the people in my gaming group use), so I didn't think about building the map from the hexes, but instead the hexes from the map, so to speak.
Beginners' Questions Patterns when using thePaste Style command
Inkscape.org
Good morning, afternoon or evening to all.
I am not an artist or graphic designer, and my use of Inkscape is hobby-related. So, forgive me in advance if my question is stupid.
I am trying to draw a map for a wargame, divided into hexagons. Hexagons are used to regulate movement, and represent different terrains. The map I am drawing has 2,240 hexagons, but only around seven or eight terrain-types. So, I have created some hexagons containing patterns that represent the terrain necessary, and what I am trying to do is to use the Paste Style command to copy those basic designs to larger blocks of similar terrain. The problem is, the method works for some hexes (i.e., they reproduce exactly the model hex), but for others the pattern gets distorted and I have to go to the pattern controls and wrestle each hex into place. Doing that takes a lot of time, and is very annoying. Is there a way to use the paste style command (or other Inkscape resource) to transfer patterns without having to deal with handles about half the time?
Thanks in advance.
Hi, welcome to the forum!
I took a quick look at your file (thanks for sharing the SVG - it makes it much easier!). You problem is that the pattern fill is not lining up with the hexagon shape. If you click one of the 'problem' hexagons with the node tool, you'll see there are some other nodes appear that allow you shift the pattern around (you may need to zoom out a little, as they aren't always in the same place.) Once you move these, your pattern will line up. I think that, because you're pasting the same style, the pattern isn't moving, whereas the object you're pasting into is in a different location.
I've attached a screenshot showing what the pattern nodes look like. Grab the 'X' and drag it, and this will move the pattern.
If you'll forgive me for saying, I don't think you're going about the construction of the file in the right way. Are you aware of Inkscape's Clones feature? This sounds like a case made for clones. You would create your base 7 or 8 terrain types, then you can create as many clones as you need of these. This will avoid any problem with pattern fills and repeatedly copying & pasting pattern fills. I would create a base shape, complete with stroke, then create a few hundred clones of each (or however many you think you'll need). If you turn on snapping, it'll be easy to snap them into alignment.
Or, it may be even easier to experiment with Tiled Clones. This can create the basic grid layout for you and you can substitute terrain tiles as you need. To do this, using the Stars & Polygons tool, create a hexagon, then try the settings at the link below to create a grid
https://i.imgur.com/eHcBh7j.png
I hope I'm not being presumptuous in offering this unasked for advice, but I feel you're giving yourself more work than is necessary, and it might well be worth your time learning a little about clones.
Hi, z3z.
Thank you.
I have really zero experience in using vector programs, so any advice is welcome.
To generate the base map I've used a boardgame extension (that's what the people in my gaming group use), so I didn't think about building the map from the hexes, but instead the hexes from the map, so to speak.
Thank you, I will try this method.
Paulo