I'm relatively new to Inkscape and wondering if there is a way to lock certain nodes when resizing? I have this file for a lamp that I purchased that I want to make bigger, but the "dovetail" parts need to remain at 3mm, as in the pic.
Any suggestions welcome on how I could resize and not affect the "dovetails ".
Not kind of "locking"; Just select the nodes you want to scale leave the dovetails unselected with the node-tool. I guess you want keep the overall outer dimensions but with a smaller frame.
Parametric CAD applications can preserve dimensional details like these but not Inkscape.
Scale the original shape to the new size, including the dovetails. This of course changes the dovetail depth. Draw 3mm stripes to represent the correct depth. Turn on [Snap to Paths] then move the recessed nodes to the match the stripes.
Can you make an object that is one dovetail and one "space between dovetails" and make it either a marker or a pattern?
Either of those might be a way to keep the dovetail size constant, but allow them to dynamically flow around a path which is the outside of the frame (just inside the dovetails).
What about when you want to scale an object, but keep it within given guides or paths? Like, when I do character lineups, I need to be able to maintain certain size relations among the characters, while keeping their feet at the same level. It's not uncommon for me to resize individual character models to achieve this. While I can already change the pivot point for rotation, I want to be able to do this for scaling too.
Like, if I want to resize this bat, I would want to be able to snap it to both of the red lines.
Manual Scale Transforms (dragging the transform handles) typically scale from the opposite handle.
In the example, I'd select all, then drag the upper left or upper right transform handle (black arrow) with the Ctrl key for proportional. The lowest point will stay fixed.
What if the node(s) that are supposed to stay fixed are not the lowest points, though? When it comes to measuring heights of characters (or just determining size relationships), I measure from the bottom of the characters' heels to the top of their heads, excluding ears, hair, headwear, etc. I can't necessarily expect nodes that form the bottom of heels to stay in the exact same positions when resizing character models, but I do want their y-coordinates to remain fixed. For example, this is one of the characters that I want to be able to resize for a height chart. As shown here with the measuring lines, her height would be measured from the heel of her right foot, all the way up to the top of her head, excluding her ears and bows. I need to be able to keep the heel of her foot on the same y-coordinate level, while also being able to snap the node on top of her head to a desired line (which is not shown in this picture). I hope this makes sense?
Add two (or more) temporary horizontal construction lines. One at the heel and another at the top of the head or maybe eyes, or hands, or whatever features you want to align. Extend these lines outside the bounding box of the object you're scaling and group everything. Turn on snapping to [Object Rotation Centers], [Cusp nodes] and [Guide lines] and move the rotation centre to the lower construction line. Draw a guide at the required height. With one of the top selection handles, [shift+ctrl+drag] to scale your figure until your upper construction line snaps to the guide.
Thanks so much, Tyler and Paddy. The tips are a real game-changer for me. :) As a bonus, here's the height chart I was talking about. From left to right, the characters are 8'8", 10'4", 5'10", 6'2", 5'8", and 9'6", respectively.
Beyond the Basics Is there a way to lock certain nodes when resizing?
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Hi,
I'm relatively new to Inkscape and wondering if there is a way to lock certain nodes when resizing? I have this file for a lamp that I purchased that I want to make bigger, but the "dovetail" parts need to remain at 3mm, as in the pic.
Any suggestions welcome on how I could resize and not affect the "dovetails ".
Thanks
Not kind of "locking"; Just select the nodes you want to scale leave the dovetails unselected with the node-tool. I guess you want keep the overall outer dimensions but with a smaller frame.
Parametric CAD applications can preserve dimensional details like these but not Inkscape.
Scale the original shape to the new size, including the dovetails. This of course changes the dovetail depth. Draw 3mm stripes to represent the correct depth. Turn on [Snap to Paths] then move the recessed nodes to the match the stripes.
What I was trying to say:
Hi Polygon, thanks, but I'm wanting the frame to resize as well, just not the dovetail bit.
Hi Padd_CAD, thanks, I shall try that and see if it helps.
Can you make an object that is one dovetail and one "space between dovetails" and make it either a marker or a pattern?
Either of those might be a way to keep the dovetail size constant, but allow them to dynamically flow around a path which is the outside of the frame (just inside the dovetails).
You might want to try out Extensions->Generate from Path->Scatter...
What about when you want to scale an object, but keep it within given guides or paths? Like, when I do character lineups, I need to be able to maintain certain size relations among the characters, while keeping their feet at the same level. It's not uncommon for me to resize individual character models to achieve this. While I can already change the pivot point for rotation, I want to be able to do this for scaling too.
Like, if I want to resize this bat, I would want to be able to snap it to both of the red lines.
Manual Scale Transforms (dragging the transform handles) typically scale from the opposite handle.
In the example, I'd select all, then drag the upper left or upper right transform handle (black arrow) with the Ctrl key for proportional. The lowest point will stay fixed.
What if the node(s) that are supposed to stay fixed are not the lowest points, though? When it comes to measuring heights of characters (or just determining size relationships), I measure from the bottom of the characters' heels to the top of their heads, excluding ears, hair, headwear, etc. I can't necessarily expect nodes that form the bottom of heels to stay in the exact same positions when resizing character models, but I do want their y-coordinates to remain fixed. For example, this is one of the characters that I want to be able to resize for a height chart. As shown here with the measuring lines, her height would be measured from the heel of her right foot, all the way up to the top of her head, excluding her ears and bows. I need to be able to keep the heel of her foot on the same y-coordinate level, while also being able to snap the node on top of her head to a desired line (which is not shown in this picture). I hope this makes sense?
The center of rotation can be snapped to a node on the heel, then the Ctrl+Shift+Drag will proportionally scale from the rotation center.
Add two (or more) temporary horizontal construction lines. One at the heel and another at the top of the head or maybe eyes, or hands, or whatever features you want to align. Extend these lines outside the bounding box of the object you're scaling and group everything. Turn on snapping to [Object Rotation Centers], [Cusp nodes] and [Guide lines] and move the rotation centre to the lower construction line. Draw a guide at the required height. With one of the top selection handles, [shift+ctrl+drag] to scale your figure until your upper construction line snaps to the guide.
Thanks so much, Tyler and Paddy. The tips are a real game-changer for me. :) As a bonus, here's the height chart I was talking about. From left to right, the characters are 8'8", 10'4", 5'10", 6'2", 5'8", and 9'6", respectively.