When learning new software tools I've often found the answer is obvious, once you know the right terminology and where to look. But this one has evaded me:
From other CAD software, I'm accustomed to being able to position an object in a drawing by it's center. For example, I want to locate a 1/2" circle at grid coordinates X 1.000, Y 1.000. I can create my circle, no problem, and I can enter the X and Y coordinates of 1.000 and 1.000 and the circle appears - but the lower left-hand corner of the box that surrounds the circle is at that location, not the center of my circle, which is in fact at X 1.250 Y 1.250.
My question is, how can I change the reference point, "handle", or whatever it's called in Inkscape to the center rather than the outside corner of this box? I can't believe this is not the default, but I also have not been able to figure out what Inkscape calls this, and how to change it.
@Creativ I have the same question, but the link to the manual is broken (I reported that in a different message).
I had found Align & Distribute, but I am confused about how it works. My expectation was that I would be able to set things so the object's X and Y position defined the position of its center. Instead, it seems like Align & Distribute changes the object's upper left X and Y position so that the object is centered in, say, the page. But it has no ongoing effect —i.e. if I later change the object's size it is no longer centered. Am I correct?
By default, objects coordinates refer to the upper left corner of their bounding box.
You can choose the center of rotation of bounding boxes as reference point for their coordinates : just select the object with selector tool, click again to display its rotation handles and then click one time on rotation center : you can then notice two faint lines from rotation center, indicating it's the new reference point.
Other handles can be used as reference points. Notice that rotation center can be moved (click and drag) exactly where you want (shift click on it to reset its position) : it's a versatile way to set reference point exactly where you wish it to be.
I'd add something related :
In inkscape preferences, click on tool submenu and then choose between visual bounding box or geometric bounding box. The first option will take stroke width into account, the geometric option will not : this explains frequent issues when dealing with exact measurements if you use control bar to place and resize objects with selector tool.
Beginners' Questions Positioning objects by center
Inkscape.org
When learning new software tools I've often found the answer is obvious, once you know the right terminology and where to look. But this one has evaded me:
From other CAD software, I'm accustomed to being able to position an object in a drawing by it's center. For example, I want to locate a 1/2" circle at grid coordinates X 1.000, Y 1.000. I can create my circle, no problem, and I can enter the X and Y coordinates of 1.000 and 1.000 and the circle appears - but the lower left-hand corner of the box that surrounds the circle is at that location, not the center of my circle, which is in fact at X 1.250 Y 1.250.
My question is, how can I change the reference point, "handle", or whatever it's called in Inkscape to the center rather than the outside corner of this box? I can't believe this is not the default, but I also have not been able to figure out what Inkscape calls this, and how to change it.
Thanks!
Bob
Hi Bob,
In Inkscape I use Align & Distribute from the Objects menu.
On this panel you can center a selected object to a page/another object/selection of objects.
Have a look at this page in the Manual
@Creativ I have the same question, but the link to the manual is broken (I reported that in a different message).
I had found Align & Distribute, but I am confused about how it works. My expectation was that I would be able to set things so the object's X and Y position defined the position of its center. Instead, it seems like Align & Distribute changes the object's upper left X and Y position so that the object is centered in, say, the page. But it has no ongoing effect —i.e. if I later change the object's size it is no longer centered. Am I correct?
By default, objects coordinates refer to the upper left corner of their bounding box.
You can choose the center of rotation of bounding boxes as reference point for their coordinates : just select the object with selector tool, click again to display its rotation handles and then click one time on rotation center : you can then notice two faint lines from rotation center, indicating it's the new reference point.
Other handles can be used as reference points. Notice that rotation center can be moved (click and drag) exactly where you want (shift click on it to reset its position) : it's a versatile way to set reference point exactly where you wish it to be.
I'd add something related :
In inkscape preferences, click on tool submenu and then choose between visual bounding box or geometric bounding box. The first option will take stroke width into account, the geometric option will not : this explains frequent issues when dealing with exact measurements if you use control bar to place and resize objects with selector tool.
@David248 thanks!