I made a collection of electrical symbols loaded them in to symboly set Current Document. I would like to save that file so i can call it up from any any Inkscape drawing like the ones that come packaged with Inkscape
i found this dir c:\program Files\inkscape\share\symbols save as a blank.svg file there named the way you want it to show in the symbols palate But once i save a set and close i can io longer add symbols to it that Any ideas?
What's happening and what steps have you taken? Have you tried to open or save the file as the admin of the pc? (might have to open inkscape as the admin to get permission to open or save). What specifically happens?
HI, I think you cannot just add some symbols to this set on the C disc, as it is a library. It would be too easy to overwrite stuff.
Usually I make an svg file with symbols and save it as a normal svg file. I can open, edit and save this file anytime. When I think the set is complete, I copy this file to the symbols folder.
If I want to add symbols, I open the original svg file, add symbols to it and save it. I then copy it again to the symbols folder. Is that an answer to your question?
Thank you for your reply. I have been doing something like what you described. I have been able to make some symbol sets that are displayed in the ctrl alt y. But if I could edit that file it would simplify Using symbols Thanks again.
Well, the FAQ tells how to install a new symbol file. But it does not tell how to make one. Not unless there's a new item there that I haven't seen yet?
As far as I can tell, you have to make the symbols, then use the Symbols dialog, to add them to the current document as symbols. Then you can save that SVG file, and install it as per FAQ, and it gives you a new item in the Symbols dialog menu called "Unnamed Symbols".
There probably is a shorter path, I'm guessing, including how to give the file a name.
You could edit that file. But you'd have to bring the edited symbols into the Symbols dialog under Current Document, before you re-save the file. At least that's my understanding, based on my testing. But again, I hope there's an easier way.
@Maren: Do you mean that I should refer to the FAQ next time? The information about symbols in Inkscape is not very extensive I think. And the way the symbols work seems to change between versions of Inkscape too. I would like to make a tutorial about that one day, when the dust has come down and the working of the symbols is more ehm fixed.
@mston0227 I know there is a set of electrical symbols, perhaps you know it? That is the circuitikz.svg in the link to github Maren gave in her reply.
----------- I understand that you would like to create a symbols set and then use it through the symbols menu and change it. You can open the svg file from your symbols directory and change it and overwrite it with save. That would be the most direct way to edit the file. If you ever reinstall Inkscape, you would loose this file. That is why I save it someplace else too.
Did you know that an imported symbol can edited when you use menu > edit > clone > unlinck clone (Shift+Alt+D). And then ungroup (Ctrl+U)?
@Kirstie I meant that the FAQ contains things that might help you help others. Using a separate file for storing your symbols is an option, but there's specific functionality provided for that purpose already that you can use (and explain to others). Please do not suggest to change the file that comes with Inkscape.
This a) will potentially break a stock file, and b) will be deleted when Inkscape is updated, and c) isn't needed, there are better ways (i.e. save that file in your custom symbols directory under a name that will describe what the symbols are about).
Whether you want to rephrase FAQ items, or even use the info provided in them, is up to you. I generally prefer linking, as Brynn and I have already written them once, and I want users to get their reply quickly - and to get to the next request quickly, too.
Symbols still work the same, no change since the dialog has been added, as far as I know. The beta adds a search, some eye-candy and speeds the dialog up a bit, but the 'how' to use is the same. Dunno what isn't 'ehm fixed'.
As for how to name files and how to format them, compare the other files. I have contributed a bit to the symbols repository I had linked to, it's quite a bit of work to make symbols useful universally for publication (basics: no strokes, undefined fill, uniform size, manual editing of the SVG file for adding names etc., and there's a script in that repository, too, that does some other magic with the files).
As for how to name files and how to format them, compare the other files.
I have tried comparing them to other symbol files. But so far the only symbol files I've looked at appear not to have anything in them. I mean, the canvas is empty, although there clearly must be XML code in them. So that didn't help. I found how to do what I can do, by trial and error. But naming them is still a mystery. I can't guess where to look, using Inkscape, to find how they named the file. To me, it seems intuitive that the symbol file would take the name of the SVG file (but without ".svg" on the end). But my best guess is that something was edited in a text file, to create the name. And possibly in some cases, maybe the whole file was made in a text editor?? The next time I have a chance, maybe I'll compare files in a text editor....although I worry the differences would be too many to find the name. But I'll try that next time.
You can see in my first post that I did explain to use a user's directory for the symbols. And yes, I have found differences in how the symbols work between different versions of Inkscape. You could start a new topic if you are interested? There is definitely more to say about symbols.
The other thing here is that I didn't see Brynn's first post until after I posted mine, although here it looks like I was 1 hour later. Thank you for your suggestions to speed things up. As this is a forum, I do not think that all the answers have to be 100% correct and as speedy as possible. I gave a direct answer to the last questions of the topicstarter and did not write a manual that must be followed by everybody.
@Brynn When you save as svg, I found at the bottom an extra field where you can enter the name. So you enter the name twice. That is the name the symbol's set will show.
Just to throw out another idea that people use, you can create a font and put your own symbols in lieu of the glyphs. A lot of people with cutters because it's easy (eg cricut, scrapbooking), it's an easy way to save their designs to cut. Ive added symbols like card suits, etc in mine. May not suit your needs fully, but it does work and fonts do get copied over when you update Inkscape. (There's tuts on it if interested.
Just to throw out another idea that people use, you can create a font and put your own symbols in lieu of the glyphs. A lot of people with cutters because it's easy (eg cricut, scrapbooking), it's an easy way to save their designs to cut. Ive added symbols like card suits, etc in mine. May not suit your needs fully, but it does work and fonts do get copied over when you update Inkscape. (There's tuts on it if interested.
Just to throw out another idea that people use, you can create a font and put your own symbols in lieu of the glyphs. A lot of people with cutters because it's easy (eg cricut, scrapbooking), it's an easy way to save their designs to cut. Ive added symbols like card suits, etc in mine. May not suit your needs fully, but it does work and fonts do get copied over when you update Inkscape. (There's tuts on it if interested.
@Brynn When you save as svg, I found at the bottom an extra field where you can enter the name. So you enter the name twice. That is the name the symbol's set will show.
Oh, I never noticed that before! Thanks for the info!
The other thing here is that I didn't see Brynn's first post until after I posted mine, although here it looks like I was 1 hour later.
Most forums will tell you if a new message is posted between the time you open the editor, and the time you post a message. I think I made a feature request for that, but I can't remember if I did for sure.
Beginners' Questions how do I save my symbols library?
Inkscape.org
I made a collection of electrical symbols loaded them in to symboly set Current Document. I would like to save that file so i can call it up from any any Inkscape drawing like the ones that come packaged with Inkscape
Hi there,
Your own symbols set you can put in the user's directory, in symbols.
If that directory doesn't exist, you can make one yourself.
Windows: C:\Users\your_usersname\AppData\Roaming\inkscape\symbols
Linux: ~/.config/inkscape/symbols
MacOS: /Users/your_usersname/.config/inkscape/symbols
So, please, give it a try and tell us if it worked.
i found this dir c:\program Files\inkscape\share\symbols save as a blank.svg file there named the way you want it to show in the symbols palate But once i save a set and close i can io longer add symbols to it that Any ideas?
What's happening and what steps have you taken? Have you tried to open or save the file as the admin of the pc? (might have to open inkscape as the admin to get permission to open or save). What specifically happens?
If you need more help about finding the folder:
https://inkscape.org/learn/faq/#how-install-new-extensions-palettes-document-templates-symbol-sets-icon-sets-etc
HI,
I think you cannot just add some symbols to this set on the C disc, as it is a library.
It would be too easy to overwrite stuff.
Usually I make an svg file with symbols and save it as a normal svg file. I can open, edit and save this file anytime.
When I think the set is complete, I copy this file to the symbols folder.
If I want to add symbols, I open the original svg file, add symbols to it and save it.
I then copy it again to the symbols folder.
Is that an answer to your question?
Kirstie, the FAQ describes how to save your own symbol sets. There are even full symbol libraries out there, e.g. https://github.com/Xaviju/inkscape-open-symbols.
Maybe that can save you some time in the future.
Thank you for your reply. I have been doing something like what you described. I have been able to make some symbol sets that are displayed in the ctrl alt y. But if I could edit that file it would simplify Using symbols Thanks again.
Well, the FAQ tells how to install a new symbol file. But it does not tell how to make one. Not unless there's a new item there that I haven't seen yet?
As far as I can tell, you have to make the symbols, then use the Symbols dialog, to add them to the current document as symbols. Then you can save that SVG file, and install it as per FAQ, and it gives you a new item in the Symbols dialog menu called "Unnamed Symbols".
There probably is a shorter path, I'm guessing, including how to give the file a name.
You could edit that file. But you'd have to bring the edited symbols into the Symbols dialog under Current Document, before you re-save the file. At least that's my understanding, based on my testing. But again, I hope there's an easier way.
@Maren: Do you mean that I should refer to the FAQ next time? The information about symbols in Inkscape is not very extensive I think. And the way the symbols work seems to change between versions of Inkscape too. I would like to make a tutorial about that one day, when the dust has come down and the working of the symbols is more ehm fixed.
@mston0227 I know there is a set of electrical symbols, perhaps you know it? That is the circuitikz.svg in the link to github Maren gave in her reply.
-----------
I understand that you would like to create a symbols set and then use it through the symbols menu and change it.
You can open the svg file from your symbols directory and change it and overwrite it with save. That would be the most direct way to edit the file.
If you ever reinstall Inkscape, you would loose this file. That is why I save it someplace else too.
Did you know that an imported symbol can edited when you use menu > edit > clone > unlinck clone (Shift+Alt+D). And then ungroup (Ctrl+U)?
@Kirstie I meant that the FAQ contains things that might help you help others. Using a separate file for storing your symbols is an option, but there's specific functionality provided for that purpose already that you can use (and explain to others). Please do not suggest to change the file that comes with Inkscape.
This a) will potentially break a stock file, and b) will be deleted when Inkscape is updated, and c) isn't needed, there are better ways (i.e. save that file in your custom symbols directory under a name that will describe what the symbols are about).
Whether you want to rephrase FAQ items, or even use the info provided in them, is up to you. I generally prefer linking, as Brynn and I have already written them once, and I want users to get their reply quickly - and to get to the next request quickly, too.
Symbols still work the same, no change since the dialog has been added, as far as I know. The beta adds a search, some eye-candy and speeds the dialog up a bit, but the 'how' to use is the same. Dunno what isn't 'ehm fixed'.
As for how to name files and how to format them, compare the other files. I have contributed a bit to the symbols repository I had linked to, it's quite a bit of work to make symbols useful universally for publication (basics: no strokes, undefined fill, uniform size, manual editing of the SVG file for adding names etc., and there's a script in that repository, too, that does some other magic with the files).
I have tried comparing them to other symbol files. But so far the only symbol files I've looked at appear not to have anything in them. I mean, the canvas is empty, although there clearly must be XML code in them. So that didn't help. I found how to do what I can do, by trial and error. But naming them is still a mystery. I can't guess where to look, using Inkscape, to find how they named the file. To me, it seems intuitive that the symbol file would take the name of the SVG file (but without ".svg" on the end). But my best guess is that something was edited in a text file, to create the name. And possibly in some cases, maybe the whole file was made in a text editor?? The next time I have a chance, maybe I'll compare files in a text editor....although I worry the differences would be too many to find the name. But I'll try that next time.
Hi Maren,
You can see in my first post that I did explain to use a user's directory for the symbols. And yes, I have found differences in how the symbols work between different versions of Inkscape. You could start a new topic if you are interested? There is definitely more to say about symbols.
The other thing here is that I didn't see Brynn's first post until after I posted mine, although here it looks like I was 1 hour later. Thank you for your suggestions to speed things up. As this is a forum, I do not think that all the answers have to be 100% correct and as speedy as possible. I gave a direct answer to the last questions of the topicstarter and did not write a manual that must be followed by everybody.
@Brynn When you save as svg, I found at the bottom an extra field where you can enter the name. So you enter the name twice. That is the name the symbol's set will show.
Just to throw out another idea that people use, you can create a font and put your own symbols in lieu of the glyphs. A lot of people with cutters because it's easy (eg cricut, scrapbooking), it's an easy way to save their designs to cut. Ive added symbols like card suits, etc in mine. May not suit your needs fully, but it does work and fonts do get copied over when you update Inkscape. (There's tuts on it if interested.
Just to throw out another idea that people use, you can create a font and put your own symbols in lieu of the glyphs. A lot of people with cutters because it's easy (eg cricut, scrapbooking), it's an easy way to save their designs to cut. Ive added symbols like card suits, etc in mine. May not suit your needs fully, but it does work and fonts do get copied over when you update Inkscape. (There's tuts on it if interested.
Just to throw out another idea that people use, you can create a font and put your own symbols in lieu of the glyphs. A lot of people with cutters because it's easy (eg cricut, scrapbooking), it's an easy way to save their designs to cut. Ive added symbols like card suits, etc in mine. May not suit your needs fully, but it does work and fonts do get copied over when you update Inkscape. (There's tuts on it if interested.
Sorry, no idea how this posted 3 times.
Thank you all for your replies I am still at it
Oh, I never noticed that before! Thanks for the info!
Most forums will tell you if a new message is posted between the time you open the editor, and the time you post a message. I think I made a feature request for that, but I can't remember if I did for sure.