I would like to create different forms of recantangles like black ones you can see on my screenshot. I used the Bezier-tool for those and I am wondering whether there is a more direct way of doing it (and a more exact way of doing it). I'd appreciate every comment.
When using the rectangle tool, hold CTRL to restrict the shape to an integer ratio of width:height (1:1, 1:2, 2:1...). This makes it easier to create squares.
Use the select tool and click on an already selected rectangle to switch to the rotate/skew handles. You can then use the skew handles on the edges to make parallelograms.
For more precision, the Object > Transform dialog has a Skew tab.
With a rectangle selected, use Path > Object to Path to convert it to a Bezier. Switch to the node tool and click on one of the edges to select the nodes at either end. You can then drag one of the nodes for a more freehand approach to parallelograms.
Following the previous instructions to select the two nodes, move the mouse away from the shape and then press and hold "<" or ">" to move them towards or away from each other equally to create a trapezium.
Thanks Tyler, Xav and hamdirizal for your great answers,
@Xav : You wrote "With a rectangle selected, use Path > Object to Path to convert it to a Bezier. Switch to the node tool and click on one of the edges to select the nodes at either end. You can then drag one of the nodes for a more freehand approach to parallelograms."
--> Basically when I select the rectangle and use 'Path > Object to Pat' nothing happens. I can still edit the rectangle the same way as before.
--> Basically when I select the rectangle and use 'Path > Object to Pat' nothing happens. I can still edit the rectangle the same way as before.
Define "the same way as before". If you mean the same way as when you drew the rectangle with the Bezier tool then that's correct: in both cases you end up with a path. The advantage of starting with a rectangle then converting to a path is that you are guaranteed to have perpendicular sides even without using grids and snapping.
Try this:
Draw two rectangles with the rectangle tool.
Convert one to a path, but leave the other as a rectangle.
Double-click on each one to edit it with its native tool. You should see that each of them have different handles for editing.
In the case of the real rectangle you have two square handles for adjusting the width/height, and a circular one for the corner radius.
For the path-based rectangle you have four separate (probably diamond-shaped) nodes, for moving each corner individually.
Rotate the rectangle, then double-click on it again. Notice that you can still easily change its width or height even when rotated. It's not so simple with a path-based rectangle in that scenario.
basically now I see a difference. However, the sides are not guranteed to be perpendicular. I can easly change the converted object such that the sides are not perpendicular. So basically I still do not see the advantage of this method compared to the normal Bezier-tool. With the Bezier tool you can also easily initialize a rectange with perpendicular sides. But basically it is not so important because now I know how to solve my initial problem.
The key word was "starting". By using the rectangle tool you start with a shape that has perpendicular sides. What you do to it after that is a different matter.
With the Bezier tool you can also easily initialize a rectange with perpendicular sides
It depends on your definition of "easily", of course. But to create a rectangle or square with the Bezier tool requires multiple mouse clicks to place the nodes, and they will only be perpendicular if you're using snapping. You can enable the 'paraxial' mode when drawing to ensure the segments are perpendicular to each other, but when you try to close the shape there's a real danger that you won't get a perfect rectangle. To my mind, that's not as easy as dragging a rectangle with the rectangle tool, if you want a rectangle rather than any other quadrilateral.
Excellent demonstration @Polygon, but how did you put the four nodes into the four corners of that rectangle at the end? Looks like you used the Alt key but I can't figure it out. I am trying to skew a square.
Tyler Durden's answer is the best answer to the statement "I am trying to skew a square". But to answer the question about the four nodes at the end of Polygon's demo: the rectangle was converted to a path using Path > Object to Path (or the equivalent keyboard shortcut).
Beginners' Questions How to create different forms of rectangles
Inkscape.org
Hi guys,
I would like to create different forms of recantangles like black ones you can see on my screenshot. I used the Bezier-tool for those and I am wondering whether there is a more direct way of doing it (and a more exact way of doing it). I'd appreciate every comment.
Of course, only the red object is a rectangle.
If you wish a more precise way to create other quadrilaterals, you might try using grids and snapping.
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Snapping.html#Snapping-Grid
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Snapping.html
TD
Other tips that may be useful:
Use Edit Path tool like this:
Thanks Tyler, Xav and hamdirizal for your great answers,
@Xav : You wrote "With a rectangle selected, use Path > Object to Path to convert it to a Bezier. Switch to the node tool and click on one of the edges to select the nodes at either end. You can then drag one of the nodes for a more freehand approach to parallelograms."
--> Basically when I select the rectangle and use 'Path > Object to Pat' nothing happens. I can still edit the rectangle the same way as before.
Define "the same way as before". If you mean the same way as when you drew the rectangle with the Bezier tool then that's correct: in both cases you end up with a path. The advantage of starting with a rectangle then converting to a path is that you are guaranteed to have perpendicular sides even without using grids and snapping.
Try this:
Thanks Xav for your answer,
basically now I see a difference. However, the sides are not guranteed to be perpendicular. I can easly change the converted object such that the sides are not perpendicular. So basically I still do not see the advantage of this method compared to the normal Bezier-tool. With the Bezier tool you can also easily initialize a rectange with perpendicular sides. But basically it is not so important because now I know how to solve my initial problem.
The key word was "starting". By using the rectangle tool you start with a shape that has perpendicular sides. What you do to it after that is a different matter.
I would question this, however:
It depends on your definition of "easily", of course. But to create a rectangle or square with the Bezier tool requires multiple mouse clicks to place the nodes, and they will only be perpendicular if you're using snapping. You can enable the 'paraxial' mode when drawing to ensure the segments are perpendicular to each other, but when you try to close the shape there's a real danger that you won't get a perfect rectangle. To my mind, that's not as easy as dragging a rectangle with the rectangle tool, if you want a rectangle rather than any other quadrilateral.
Thanks Xav for your answer and help 😃
Just additional info:
Excellent demonstration @Polygon, but how did you put the four nodes into the four corners of that rectangle at the end? Looks like you used the Alt key but I can't figure it out. I am trying to skew a square.
Thank you.
Maybe you have seen this: http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Transforms.html#Transforms-Mouse
Tyler Durden's answer is the best answer to the statement "I am trying to skew a square". But to answer the question about the four nodes at the end of Polygon's demo: the rectangle was converted to a path using Path > Object to Path (or the equivalent keyboard shortcut).