If I understand what you're asking, it's not possible with Inkscape. Such a shape as a circle with a line through it cannot be accomplished with a single path. It can only be made with 2 paths - the circle and the straight line.
The circle path and the line path can be combined to create what Inkscape calls a "compound path" which behaves like a single path. But it's still 2 sub-paths.
I can think of a way to make this shape with truly one path. Sort of like you would write a lower case "e". Like the screenshot below:
But the circle is not a whole connected circle anymore.
To do that, you would select one node of the circle (the one at 3 o'clock in this screenshot) and break the path (Node tool control bar, Break Path at Selected Nodes). And then join one of those end nodes to the end of the straight line. Join Selected Nodes button on Node tool control bar. Or else there are key shortcuts for those, but I don't know them off the top of my head. See Help menu > Key and Mouse Ref.
It's a bit tricky to join them, without distorting the circle, but we could share some tips, if you need help.
Thanks for the warm welcome. What I am trying to do is trace a pattern using paths. The object I am trying to trace is a ribbon folded over itself and then curled at the base. Is pretty simple to look at but not to draw and get the fill right. If I can figure out a way to include files or pictures I will show you what I mean. In the mean time if you check this youtube video :
What I am trying to do is trace the blue ribbon so all the nodes are contained in a single path. Not worried about the shading lines just the basic ribbon.
Hhmm, it seems white to me. But you mean the ribbon that says Delta on it?
Doesn't that tutorial show you how to do it? Hhmm, I guess it doesn't. Are you tracing an image? Or drawing it yourself?
I have a feeling you need to learn both how to do draw with the Pen tool (or maybe Pencil) and also node editing with Node tool, as well. It's a tutorial which this community is missing, a need which I hope can be filled before too long. At least it's missing in a video tutorial. I've written a few text tutorials, explaining how to use certain Pen tool features, and do certain node editing. But a nice comprehensive video tutorial doesn't exist.
Based on what you've said so far, I think this tutorial will teach you everything you need. Note that that site is closing at the end of this month. So if you want to have access after that, be sure to save yourself a local copy. I think you'll only need the larger top section. It's very detailed and written for beginners. https://forum.inkscapecommunity.com/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=47
If it's not exactly what you need, or it covers too much info, and you have an SVG file where you've been trying to do something, you could share that file with us, and we can use it to show you how. You can attach an image or SVG file in your next message, using the small paper clip icon, in the bottom-left corner of the messsage box. Or you could upload it anywhere and give us the link to it.
Yes, the blue ribbon that says Delta. I have attached the svg file that I have so far, and yes I am using the jpg to trace the image. I have been using inkscape for about 4 or more years to do decal imagaes, and use almost exclusively the path tool and the path editing tool. For images like the ribbon, or the arc with gold fill I just build a path with the bezier tool, then edit the path with the edit tool as I demonstrate in the video. For text I just research for a font that is close and use that as a starting point. I create the text or individual letters, adjust with the edit tools so the letter(s) are about the same size and shape, then convert the letter(s) to path and use path edit tool to fine tune them. All that is pretty simple, but the problem I have is as follows. I will attach two files that may demonstrte my problem. The first is the initial path that outlines the ribbon (it still has a lot of work to get it right, but good for demonstrations. The second shows what lines/paths are missing and need to be added, these are circled in red. There are others as well not circled. What I want to do is add these lines and join them to the existing ribbon outline so I end up with a single path. I have used both group and combine and they give me the ability to manipulate it as a single entity. The problem is that making the added lines "blend" into the existing lines. I have done it but it takes a lot of fiddling with the nodes to get it exactly right. The last file is one that I have gotten a little further on. I think you will be able to see the problems with the ribbon and the added nodes.
I downloaded the suggested tutorial. It is exactly what I do, I think it may demonstrate exactly what I want to do, but I need to study it thoroughly to be sure.
Many thanks for taking an interest I really appreciate the effort and time.
Oohh ok. Based on that description, I think you may be looking for Snapping, which is a great way to quickly align things precisely. However, let me look at your files. I downloaded them, so I'll go and look at them, and be back shortly with more info.
Ok, in decalDelta2.svg I can see what you're asking. Snapping could be partly helpful here. But to make a starting place, I think you have to draw the first part (whatever part you decide that should be. Then after that, you can snap to this or that target.
However, looking at Decal.svg, it looks like you did a pretty good job with alignment. I don't see any path ends sticking out anywhere. And I see you have some guidelines, so maybe you already know about snapping?
You could use both Combine and Group, for different reasons.
In the screenshot jd1.png you can see that I made one of your paths red and the other one blue. It's just for clarity, not for any reason for drawing them. I can see how the outlines might be drawn in a different way, but this is purely up to you, the artist. I don't see any one way better than another. And I probably would have traced them just like you did (top part, bottom part). They can't really be joined together. There just aren't any opportunities to join 2 end nodes.
Well....they could be joined into a single path, if you could accept having areas where the path runs over itself. There would be a LOT of overlapping, and it would be noticable. I would not recommend it.
And you've made a proper format, by having the blue/gray fill path separate, and dark outlines separate and on top, and the thinner hatchlines separate. If there were an issue with z-order, you might want to avoid combining (or grouping either one). But it looks like it should work to combine them. And I would combine all the thinner hatch lines too. Then I would group the outlines and the hatchlines together with the blue/gray fill color. Then the whole thing behaves as one, in case you move it (accidentally or on purpose).
I think you will be able to see the problems with the ribbon and the added nodes.
I'm not sure if I do. You could set up Snapping, with the Snap control bar set up like in my screenshot. And also like in Document Properties, I find that's a good basic configuration that works for most files, and I don't have to change it a lot. This would allow, for example, the end node of a blue path to snap to the red path.
If you have trouble with snapping the blue path nodes to the correct place on the red path, zoom in. Either that, or adjust the slider in Document Properties to something less than 20.
However, in some cases, even with brilliant snapping strategy, good alignment comes down to several painstaking steps - using guides or special spacer objects or whatever. Sometimes there's no quick way to do it. Just practice, practice, practice. And keep learning. 🙂
Many thanks. I haven't done too much with snapping, so I think that is something I need to look into. I think you are correct in that it could solve my alignment problems. I will do a little more studying to see what I can do.
Ok, so I started to look for anything about how to use snapping and I didn't find a whole lot. A lot of information about what the tool bare icons are for, but not much on how to actually snap especially guides. I set up two guides with an intersection and tried to get a node to snap to the intersection. Nothing, no snapping at all. I just don't get it, also how do I get the complete snap toolbar. I have some of it on the right but I am missing a few icons and I can't figure out how to get the rest of the icons to show, nor can I find a way to snap a node to a guide intersection, somehwhat frustrating.
OOPS, I found it. I was expecting something to happen besides just an X to appear. Got it working now.
With the settings I gave for Document Properties, the snapping to other nodes or guides will not be strong. You need to watch for the snap indicator (a little text the pops up to say which element snapped to which target) to confirm that it worked. That's what I prefer. However, if you turn on a grid, you will see very strong snapping, so that you don't have to watch for the text to show up. It will be so strong "jumping off the mouse", you will not wonder if it happened.
With some more experience, you might realize that you prefer very strong snapping all the time. Just keep practicing!
Yes, I finely figured out how to do the snapping and was able to do exactly what I wanted to do thanks to your advice. I just posted my second video on Youtube. Hope it helps someone else with similar questions.
Again, many thanks for your advice and information.
Beginners' Questions join two paths
Inkscape.org
I need to join two paths. Like adding a path to a circle that cuts across the center. I want the paths to be one smooth path.
Welcome to the forum!
If I understand what you're asking, it's not possible with Inkscape. Such a shape as a circle with a line through it cannot be accomplished with a single path. It can only be made with 2 paths - the circle and the straight line.
The circle path and the line path can be combined to create what Inkscape calls a "compound path" which behaves like a single path. But it's still 2 sub-paths.
I can think of a way to make this shape with truly one path. Sort of like you would write a lower case "e". Like the screenshot below:
But the circle is not a whole connected circle anymore.
To do that, you would select one node of the circle (the one at 3 o'clock in this screenshot) and break the path (Node tool control bar, Break Path at Selected Nodes). And then join one of those end nodes to the end of the straight line. Join Selected Nodes button on Node tool control bar. Or else there are key shortcuts for those, but I don't know them off the top of my head. See Help menu > Key and Mouse Ref.
It's a bit tricky to join them, without distorting the circle, but we could share some tips, if you need help.
Brynn,
Thanks for the warm welcome. What I am trying to do is trace a pattern using paths. The object I am trying to trace is a ribbon folded over itself and then curled at the base. Is pretty simple to look at but not to draw and get the fill right. If I can figure out a way to include files or pictures I will show you what I mean. In the mean time if you check this youtube video :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52rNSggE0p0
What I am trying to do is trace the blue ribbon so all the nodes are contained in a single path. Not worried about the shading lines just the basic ribbon.
Hhmm, it seems white to me. But you mean the ribbon that says Delta on it?
Doesn't that tutorial show you how to do it? Hhmm, I guess it doesn't. Are you tracing an image? Or drawing it yourself?
I have a feeling you need to learn both how to do draw with the Pen tool (or maybe Pencil) and also node editing with Node tool, as well. It's a tutorial which this community is missing, a need which I hope can be filled before too long. At least it's missing in a video tutorial. I've written a few text tutorials, explaining how to use certain Pen tool features, and do certain node editing. But a nice comprehensive video tutorial doesn't exist.
Based on what you've said so far, I think this tutorial will teach you everything you need. Note that that site is closing at the end of this month. So if you want to have access after that, be sure to save yourself a local copy. I think you'll only need the larger top section. It's very detailed and written for beginners. https://forum.inkscapecommunity.com/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=47
If it's not exactly what you need, or it covers too much info, and you have an SVG file where you've been trying to do something, you could share that file with us, and we can use it to show you how. You can attach an image or SVG file in your next message, using the small paper clip icon, in the bottom-left corner of the messsage box. Or you could upload it anywhere and give us the link to it.
Yes, the blue ribbon that says Delta. I have attached the svg file that I have so far, and yes I am using the jpg to trace the image. I have been using inkscape for about 4 or more years to do decal imagaes, and use almost exclusively the path tool and the path editing tool. For images like the ribbon, or the arc with gold fill I just build a path with the bezier tool, then edit the path with the edit tool as I demonstrate in the video. For text I just research for a font that is close and use that as a starting point. I create the text or individual letters, adjust with the edit tools so the letter(s) are about the same size and shape, then convert the letter(s) to path and use path edit tool to fine tune them. All that is pretty simple, but the problem I have is as follows. I will attach two files that may demonstrte my problem. The first is the initial path that outlines the ribbon (it still has a lot of work to get it right, but good for demonstrations. The second shows what lines/paths are missing and need to be added, these are circled in red. There are others as well not circled. What I want to do is add these lines and join them to the existing ribbon outline so I end up with a single path. I have used both group and combine and they give me the ability to manipulate it as a single entity. The problem is that making the added lines "blend" into the existing lines. I have done it but it takes a lot of fiddling with the nodes to get it exactly right. The last file is one that I have gotten a little further on. I think you will be able to see the problems with the ribbon and the added nodes.
I downloaded the suggested tutorial. It is exactly what I do, I think it may demonstrate exactly what I want to do, but I need to study it thoroughly to be sure.
Many thanks for taking an interest I really appreciate the effort and time.
Oohh ok. Based on that description, I think you may be looking for Snapping, which is a great way to quickly align things precisely. However, let me look at your files. I downloaded them, so I'll go and look at them, and be back shortly with more info.
Ok, in decalDelta2.svg I can see what you're asking. Snapping could be partly helpful here. But to make a starting place, I think you have to draw the first part (whatever part you decide that should be. Then after that, you can snap to this or that target.
However, looking at Decal.svg, it looks like you did a pretty good job with alignment. I don't see any path ends sticking out anywhere. And I see you have some guidelines, so maybe you already know about snapping?
You could use both Combine and Group, for different reasons.
In the screenshot jd1.png you can see that I made one of your paths red and the other one blue. It's just for clarity, not for any reason for drawing them. I can see how the outlines might be drawn in a different way, but this is purely up to you, the artist. I don't see any one way better than another. And I probably would have traced them just like you did (top part, bottom part). They can't really be joined together. There just aren't any opportunities to join 2 end nodes.
Well....they could be joined into a single path, if you could accept having areas where the path runs over itself. There would be a LOT of overlapping, and it would be noticable. I would not recommend it.
And you've made a proper format, by having the blue/gray fill path separate, and dark outlines separate and on top, and the thinner hatchlines separate. If there were an issue with z-order, you might want to avoid combining (or grouping either one). But it looks like it should work to combine them. And I would combine all the thinner hatch lines too. Then I would group the outlines and the hatchlines together with the blue/gray fill color. Then the whole thing behaves as one, in case you move it (accidentally or on purpose).
I'm not sure if I do. You could set up Snapping, with the Snap control bar set up like in my screenshot. And also like in Document Properties, I find that's a good basic configuration that works for most files, and I don't have to change it a lot. This would allow, for example, the end node of a blue path to snap to the red path.
If you have trouble with snapping the blue path nodes to the correct place on the red path, zoom in. Either that, or adjust the slider in Document Properties to something less than 20.
However, in some cases, even with brilliant snapping strategy, good alignment comes down to several painstaking steps - using guides or special spacer objects or whatever. Sometimes there's no quick way to do it. Just practice, practice, practice. And keep learning. 🙂
Many thanks. I haven't done too much with snapping, so I think that is something I need to look into. I think you are correct in that it could solve my alignment problems. I will do a little more studying to see what I can do.
Thanks again.
Ok, so I started to look for anything about how to use snapping and I didn't find a whole lot. A lot of information about what the tool bare icons are for, but not much on how to actually snap especially guides. I set up two guides with an intersection and tried to get a node to snap to the intersection. Nothing, no snapping at all. I just don't get it, also how do I get the complete snap toolbar. I have some of it on the right but I am missing a few icons and I can't figure out how to get the rest of the icons to show, nor can I find a way to snap a node to a guide intersection, somehwhat frustrating.
OOPS, I found it. I was expecting something to happen besides just an X to appear. Got it working now.
The manual is very thorough on snapping. http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Snapping.html
With the settings I gave for Document Properties, the snapping to other nodes or guides will not be strong. You need to watch for the snap indicator (a little text the pops up to say which element snapped to which target) to confirm that it worked. That's what I prefer. However, if you turn on a grid, you will see very strong snapping, so that you don't have to watch for the text to show up. It will be so strong "jumping off the mouse", you will not wonder if it happened.
With some more experience, you might realize that you prefer very strong snapping all the time. Just keep practicing!
Yes, I finely figured out how to do the snapping and was able to do exactly what I wanted to do thanks to your advice. I just posted my second video on Youtube. Hope it helps someone else with similar questions.
Again, many thanks for your advice and information.
You'e welcome 🙂