Thanks Tyler, I don't have the insight yet as to "proper" way, and you have given me some good suggestions to try. My mindset is from a mechanical drawing perspective, so the graphical concepts are new to me.
You could use the Offset LPE. Select your shape and open the Path Effect dialog [Path > Path Effects...] or [shift+ctrl+7]. Click [+] to add an effect and then select [Offset]. Set the units of measure [Unit: in] and the distance [Offset: 0.5].
You're seeing the expected behaviour of the Offset path effect. Inkscape hides the original geometry and renders the modified shape. In order to show both you must first duplicate the original and then apply the offset.
This creates two separate and independent objects. Changing the original does not preserve the offset distance. If you want linked shapes, create a clone of the original and apply the offset path effect to the clone.
Beginners' Questions When to use Stroke to Path
Inkscape.org
I don't have a graphics background, hence this basic question. In Sketchup, there is a "offset" feature.\
If I wanted to draw a 12" square frame made of 1/2" wide material, I would do the following:
1.Draw a 12 inch square
2. select the square
3. create a 1/2" offset. This creates a smaller square inside the orig square.
How is this done in inkscape?
Thanks,
Dan
Personally, I'd put the expression in the numeric entry field: "12-0.5".
But one could set the increments of inset to a specified value Preferences>Behavior>Steps>, then use the Path>inset operation.
One could make the stroke 1", then stroke to path, break apart, delete outer path.
Probably more ways...
Thanks Tyler, I don't have the insight yet as to "proper" way, and you have given me some good suggestions to try. My mindset is from a mechanical drawing perspective, so the graphical concepts are new to me.
Dan
You could use the Offset LPE. Select your shape and open the Path Effect dialog [Path > Path Effects...] or [shift+ctrl+7]. Click [+] to add an effect and then select [Offset]. Set the units of measure [Unit: in] and the distance [Offset: 0.5].
## Edit: Corrected some typos.
Excellent suggestion....I saw that but did not really understand its use. Thanks for the suggestion.
Dan
Well, after updating to version 1.2 I tried the Offset path effect..
The behavior I got was the orig. square gets hidden, and the new offset square is displayed.
I really expected to see both squares. Am I doing something wrong?
Dan
You're seeing the expected behaviour of the Offset path effect. Inkscape hides the original geometry and renders the modified shape. In order to show both you must first duplicate the original and then apply the offset.
This creates two separate and independent objects. Changing the original does not preserve the offset distance. If you want linked shapes, create a clone of the original and apply the offset path effect to the clone.