Inkscape for the Scroll Designer

[@NGraver001]

See the follow up video "Inkscape for the Scroll Designer" PART 2 here------> kzbin.info/www/bejne/jou3gn6jmrF7j8U

[@estéticatipográfica]

I've been using vector software since the mid-1990s, starting with CorelDraw and Freehand, and have created numerous illustrations in Adobe Illustrator for book publishers, magazines, and even for type editing. Along the way, I’ve met many talented people, but I’ve never encountered anyone who explains things as clearly as you do, with such an excellent understanding of the principles of vector software. Kudos to you!

[@NGraver001]

You are too kind!

[@fdsphone6854]

@@NGraver001 no, i agree with him. you did an excellent job of show and tell, very focused. you and Logo's by nick 👍 Corel draw from 3.0 (not an artist) and inkscape from 50 or 60. you hit about 3 points I missed somewhere that just clicked. i just dabble for friends edit. I wonder why YT took so long to recommend. maybe it was the words scroll vs drawing. in title or meta info. I dont really search anymore but youtube pops one up every now and then. i like nicks because i enplanes the tools well. I recommend him to people still using corel when i meet them. hated paying for bugs fixes with new bugs every year.

[@CraftsmanshipwithAsh]

Great Video, I have used inscape for years, however I have never used the spiro tool. thanks

[@graphguy]

I'm not a scroll designer, but most definitely an admirer of the art, thanks!

[@HerosAndZeros]

You have no idea how happy you just made me! I have always seen it as ”impossible” for me to draw scrolls in Inkscape without spending hours and hours because I only us it occasionally. Thank you so much! ”Subscribed”

[@NGraver001]

That's what I like to hear!

[@jimintaos]

Thank you. You just made Inkscape a lot easier for me. I came to Inkscape after I got fed up with the predatory pricing of CorelDraw. I have, however, had a bit of a learning curve getting used to Inkscape. Your tutorial here clarified a lot of the friction points I have been running into.

[@Srrrokka]

Fantastic tutorial and great, quick run-down of the most important shortcuts! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@chaugen1]

Wow, fantastic video. I am confortable with Inkscape but scroll work has always been like black magic. This has definitely demystified it to some degree and given me a place to start. Excellent video, thank you.

[@RichardThompsonCA]

Thanks for the video, I've dabbled with Inkscape but didn't know about this tool. This is very useful info!

[@OG1]

Just amazing. Thank you. I spend hours in illustrator and this seems so much more efficient.

[@ottocarter5161]

I’ve been a Corel guy since the ‘90’s. I’ve been aware of Inkscape and downloaded it many times but haven’t taken the time to really learn it. Thank you for this. I’ll get on it. Your video is so well done! Awesome!

[@NGraver001]

Thanks Otto! Stick with version 1.22. The new version is a bit buggy.

[@CelticOneDesign]

Second time watching this - lol. Best Inkscape video I have seen in quite some time. What is amazing is that you are basically using only one Inkscape tool to do these intricate designs and you made it look so easy.

[@NGraver001]

with a little experience it does become very easy. Working on a part 2 with some other cool tricks.

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

Thank you so much for this. I have been using Inkscape for years for designing simple shapes to cut with my electronic cutting machine. I don't use it very often and so tend to forget what I've learnt previously! I have learnt more about Inkscape in this video than I ever thought possible. Your scroll drawing is an absolute revelation to me. Everything so clearly explained, and at a speed where one can take it in. Brilliant.

[@NGraver001]

Wonderful!

[@kevinfoo8031]

As an avid user of Inkscape, particular vector editing, so glad you mention the compass method. A confirmation of the method is a circle, its nodes are placed at the compass. Its handles are important too for smoothness. A handy tip where you chose an element then dragged to the page, I find duplicate and cut to clipboard, then move your mouse to a desired position, cmd-v and the copied element is placed exactly where your mouse is. Your video has enhanced my learning to the next level, great video.

[@NGraver001]

Appreciate the kind words, glad you found some useful tips in the video! Good Tip about the copy paste!

[@scarylarryone]

I just want to say thank you for putting this video out it`s just what I needed to learn . I just started a knife making company and scrolls look great on metal. This will work perfect for my new laser work. You have a new subscriber. Big thanks

[@greyspot00]

I appreciate you coming back from your 6 year break to bring us such a helpful video! As a long time user of Inkscape this was still very helpful :)

[@NGraver001]

I didn't want to do it....they made me....lol!

[@descmba]

Just wanted to chime in with all the other comments. This tutorial is an incredible find and I am so glad you came back after a six year break. As soon as I saw you had a template for sale, I knew I had to have it. I have had Inkscape for many years and have used it for various laser projects, but I did not want to go backwards to avoid the Spiro bug. I am currently using version 1.4 and the issue is still there, but I did find that it often adds extra points to the path you are trying to create. Deleting those points seems to fix the problem and leaves you with a usable Spiro Path. Not that this is acceptable if you are doing a lot of Spiro Paths, but maybe it is a good enough workaround for the moment. In the meantime, I am enjoying just playing around with your template and seeing what I can do and if I can use it with my fiber laser to generate acceptable scroll work in metal. Thanks again!

[@MohamedAyman-li6rp]

Are you using a cutting Fiber Laser machine or carving one?

[@frechjo]

I've done some jewelry making and silvesmithing, besides artistic drawing, but scroll design is something I've always found a bit intimidating, haha. Seeing you work, it's obvious there's a lot to it, it's its own language. I made a couple tries, but they were really simple and basic, nothing compared to your work. WRT to Inkscape, I love it, I've used it a lot. But the spiro tool never made sense to me before. Now in your hands I can see where and how it really shines. Really well presented, thank you!

[@NGraver001]

Scroll work is indeed a discipline of its own. Star off with simple designs and stick to good design practices and it will still look great. I may produce another video focusing on scroll design tips and composition. Good luck!

[@TheBryancrochet]

Fantastic video. I have been in love with vectors for decades! This was great info about scroll work. Wish I had know this a year ago. Thank you! Tip on duplicating: instead of using two keys use space bar. With the selection tool selected click on the original shape as thought you are going move it (but don't move it) with you left mouse button held down hit space. It places a duplicate of your selection like a stamp. Now you can move your new copy any where you want, or hover over the new location and hit space again and place a copy. You can hit space as many times as you like. As long as you hold the left mouse button.

[@eskibrew]

Wow! - fascinating seeing how these are made and you've explained it brilliantly, thank you.

[@doctormo]

About half way through you need to resize the center a little bit and mention that this is as hard as it gets. There is an easier way to scale that center part. Use the Transform handles on nodes tool. It's an icon that looks like the resize handles and it allows you to scale, rotate and skew your selection of nodes.

[@NGraver001]

Thank you! I am still learning so much my self. I absolutely love Inkscape!

[@toddlawrimore3577]

Wow. You just knocked my socks off. Was trying to decorate Santa's sleigh (I'm a 3D animator) a few weeks ago and gave up on making my own scroll work. ...next year, I'll be ready.

[@gazland3686]

I have used pencil tool with medium/high smoothing for years!! Never again!! You have earned my like and subscription. Thank you so much!

[@NGraver001]

Welcome!

[@Vondrsen]

Amazing tutorial. Love it how you explain even the basic stuff and put it all into the perspective.

[@dvandamme00]

genuinely excellent tutorial... extra points, digging around in the path effects menus, are Mirror and circular Array. those 2 modifiers are gold, as they let you set up dymanic objects that update as you work on the 'original'. bonus extra points, you can stack these modifiers.. so Mirror across the vertical, Mirror that 'pair' across the horzontal, then circular array that into a wheel... and only edit that single object!

[@NGraver001]

Thank you. I have played around with many of the other effects. Have not used the mirror function though I have seen it demonstrated before. Inkscape is very powerful!

[@stearman]

You did a great job making this Andy! Thanks for taking the time to do it. I've got a project coming up that I'll try and use this on once I get my head wrapped around it. Tim W.

[@randomvector78]

wow! Thanks for putting this out there. Def one of the best inkscape tutorials out there on vector node editing.

[@junechevalier]

Just what I need. Thank you for the tutorial!

[@iangroves9023]

Fantastic video been using this fof few years and still learned alot on it thanks

[@asseenonline7951]

Wow! Having used Corel since it came out on 5.25 inch floppies, and Signlab since it was introduced, I will be transitioning to Inkscape after seeing your incredible tutorial. This video is probably the best vector editing tutorial video on KZbin. Thank you!

[@NGraver001]

Thank you!

[@zazzman1963]

Merci! Very good video, well explained. Thanks.

[@shaynehall9294]

Great video, I tried drawing scrolls a year or two ago when I first got inkscape and gave up. Your video shows me exactly how to do it now, thanks!! P.s. if your Arsenal is available let me know!

[@NGraver001]

@@shaynehall9294 there is a link in the video description. Glad you learned something!

[@frankligas2249]

Thanks for the video. Love this technique. I thank you also for understanding the needs of the laser engraving world. Thumbs up, Like and Subscribe. I found your video through the KZbin algorythm and this is the first of your videos I have found. Keep up the good work and for sharing. Now I have to set a bunch of time aside to binge watch all your videos.

[@NGraver001]

Shouldn't take long....haha!

[@dianachase7867]

This is so exciting! Thank you so much for your clear and concise tutorial. 👏👏👏👏👍 Happy New Year! 🎆🎉

[@AdhiMarto]

You can use Path Effect - Power Stroke to give adjustable thickness of the spiro

[@NGraver001]

I was going to show that but the video got too long. Thanks for mentioning.

[@zazzenfuk]

Damn. Welcome back!

[@adamwisz]

You've revealed my secret weapon! Hopefully the inkscape programmers fix the spiro tool in the new version because I'd like to upgrade.

[@sandnerdaniel]

Great tips for curve/path editing and overall Inscape control and lineart workflows, well done!

[@Stakespecialty]

excellent work on the scroll work tutorial on inkscape. I have been using inkscape for years with vector work for my lasers i do appreciate the detailed video on making scrolls and using the spiro pen tool... couple suggestions though mainly with the copy and duplicating and drag into position (on a windows computer) not sure about what keys to press on a mac ctrl+c is copy ctrl+v will paste (wherever you mouse pointer is) ctrl+alt+v (will paste in place effectively duplicating it) for your quick build arsenal you can click on the image crtl+c and then just move the mouse and crtl+v will teleport the shape needed so you don't have to click and drag then pan to view (just a suggestion for faster work flow) also for laser engraving you can do everything in the spiro path tool and to convert it over for laser engraving >select everything > object to path > then union all the lines together (just to save some time on tracing all the way around some objects to create a "closed path".... but excellent video .... i added it to my saved videos and i subscribed to your channel ..... looking forward to see what else you post 😀

[@NGraver001]

Someone pointed that out to me about the copy paste. I didn't realize it would function that way. Good to know. Thanks for the heads up!

[@Stakespecialty]

@NGraver001 no problem .... I need to find more information on the flow of scroll work .... I have a hard time envisioning how it should be laid out

[@NGraver001]

I am hoping to do a scroll design video soon. Cover the basics and try to demystify the process. Hope I can pull it off.

[@Stakespecialty]

@@NGraver001 that would be amazing I'm sure you can

[@chiparooo]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesperkins9833]

Awesome video

[@vanvu1436]

thanks

[@adamwisz]

ALSO, a few workflow improvements I use: Backspace will delete the last node you placed, you don't need to start over if you make a mistake. If you want to add a node without a long mouse trip to the plus button you can simply double click the line where you want the new node while you're in node edit mode. Use hot keys to switch tool mode - 'N' for node edit, 'B' for spline editor and 'S' for selection tool.

[@NGraver001]

Great tips, thanks for sharing! CTRL-Z Seems to be more convenient for me than heading to the back space. You sound like a power user. Shortcut keys are great but I didn't want to overwhelm a new user with so much to remember. Adding nodes by double clicking the line works great on a standard Bezier Curve but not so much if the curve is Spiro. The underlying curve tends to be all over the place. You can turn on " show path outline" to see the underlying curve but I don't like the clutter. Thanks for sharing ....I picked up a few things from you!

[@adamwisz]

@@NGraver001 Totally! Really anything to avoid carpel tunnel for a little longer. Thanks again for posting the video, I've been trying to figure out a workflow for vector scrolls for a few months now and this helped a lot. Id like to submit a request for a video about backbone design/layout (especially for tight/irregular spaces) and also best practices for shading.

[@NGraver001]

@ that is definitely something I’m considering

[@maurolimaok]

Nice!

[@zdenekdienelt6571]

Very nice, thank you.

[@razzamcdazza6678]

This is a superb video and I’m excited to try some of this with my new laser engraver. I’d be really grateful if you could suggest appropriate menu settings for a beginner like me? Inkscape has a lot of features and I’d like to get started with what I’m likely to need rather than everything at once…. I really like the way you’ve gone about presenting this. You have a gift for explaining things clearly and calmly. Thanks for the video!

[@NGraver001]

I am not the guy to offer settings for the laser but there is a Facebook group that deals with laser engraving. They can help. facebook.com/groups/3819763834965080

[@pmarzoccojr]

Very Nice!!! Thank you very much for the video.

[@NYProductions]

This is great! thanks.

[@peteredwards2371]

Awesome, thanks 👍😊

[@AfterHourzLaserEngraving]

Hello great video can you do a video on how and were to star when doing a 1911 slide.

[@NGraver001]

I am hoping to do some more videos like you are requesting. Specifically a video on actually designing scrolls, composition, and the fundamentals. Not just how to use Inkscape. I need to finish a current project first.

[@MohamedAyman-li6rp]

You may want to use the Power Stroke effect to add line width 23:50 line to path from the path menu.

[@NGraver001]

In that example I want a thin line. The thin line functions as a guide for further design. If you see my second video "Part 2" I use "Pattern Along Path" to build designs with structure more like the Power Stroke but with more functionality.

[@MohamedAyman-li6rp]

@@NGraver001 Is it possible to achieve a full Scroll drawing from scratch using Inkscape, or do I have to hand-draw it first?

[@NGraver001]

@@MohamedAyman-li6rp Well....That really depends on your skill level. I have regularly drawn entire designs in Inkscape. But I have a lot of experience. If you have watched the video through to the end you would see that I was creating entire designs using elements that I had previously created in Inkscape. The more work you put into it the faster and easier it becomes.

[@bossman3394]

Your a great teacher, Learned a few great tricks by you here. I suspect the next video will be in 2027 tho XD?

[@NGraver001]

Hahaha! What's the rush?

[@juliesmith7993]

Oh good! You just answered my question:)

[@BarbaraTostes]

Muito legal seu tutorial! Eu também ensino algumas coisas aqui no Brasil. Sempre incentivo o uso das últimas versões. Patrocinei um recurso com Martin Owens (DoctorMo) e essa funcionalidade entrou a partir da 1.3. E agora, na versão 1.4 tem muitas novidades nos efeitos de vetores, melhorias nos códigos e bugs corrigidos. Usar softwares livres e de código aberto é liberdade! Divulgar e incentivar o uso ajudam muito! Obrigada por mais conteúdo!

[@NGraver001]

Muito, muito obrigado

[@AmyErickson-m5j]

Wonderful and informative video Thank you. I am however unable to complete purchase of template. It is giving me a security issue message after each try.

[@NGraver001]

@@AmyErickson-m5j I’m sorry you’re having a problem. I have not heard of anyone else having any issues. If you are still interested in the template send me an email and maybe we can work out another way.

[@juliesmith7993]

This is a wonderful tutorial!! Any chance you’ll sell that pattern file ?

[@CelticOneDesign]

Check the video description. There is a link to purchase the template.

[@j.e.711]

Are there any AI-tools that can make a decent scrollworks inside a knife handle frame?

[@NGraver001]

@@j.e.711 not that I have found. I have tried a lot of AI programs but they suck at scrollwork. I have no doubt that someone will figure it out sooner or later though

[@doctormo]

Do you have a link to the bug report?

[@NGraver001]

I tried to create a bug report a while back. I think you need to be a rocket scientist to submit one....I am not a programmer...lol. It would be incredible if you could get it fixed because I'd love to be using the newest version. The Spiro path does wonky things until you finish the path. It creates straight sections when it should be making curved sections. Sorry I can't explain it better. Sometimes they straighten out when terminating and sometimes not.

[@doctormo]

@@NGraver001 I've seen the spiro errors caused by certain numbers going to infinity, but those problems have always been there so v1.2 would have them too. I did fix a spiro issue where ending the spiro would change the curve from the preview as there would be a slight variation from the start point and where it thought the start point was. A bug report is fairly easy, mostly if you can report in words (like the above) with as many details about the steps, then someone from the community will usually confirm it. You can also search for existing spiro bugs, you're unlikely to be the only person. I fear though that this bug will remain though as I'm not sure it's getting any attention.

[@NGraver001]

The reason I never pursued it was because I assume somebody else would take care of it. I don't think enough people appreciate that tool to be concerned..

[@NGraver001]

I reinstalled the latest version to test it. I do like the newest version. The bug is #8727. It is basically a preview issue that usually self corrects although on occasion it does not. All in all I think I will encourage people to use the latest current version. The preview issue isn't too bad as long as people understand what is happening. I love the interface enhancements and the Shape Builder Tool is a huge advancement. Thanks for all the work you guys put into this!

[@Thicketworks]

Have been attempting to create satisfactory scrolls in Affinity Designer for years. Thought that the new Affinity 'spiral tool' would be the answer, but NOPE. I love the program otherwise, but the lack of a spiro path tool is what was missing! Thank you so much for this detailed tutorial - this changes everything for the better.

[@NGraver001]

I have been waiting for years for Corel or Adobe to do this. Actually Adobe does have a tool that works similarly. It's called the Curvature Tool. But...Adobe is $275/Year....every year.

[@timz9862]

So does Inkscape not have the ability to make tapered strokes? Like a stroke with varying widths along the path? Both Illustrator and Affinity Designer allow you to do this. In Inkscape, all I saw you do was stretch that half-circle shape along the path, which seems kind of clunky compared to just having a tapered stroke tool.

[@NGraver001]

Yes Inkscape does, It's called a "Power Stroke". I wanted to cover it but the video was too long. You can find other videos about it. I will probably do a follow up video with more advanced uses and that would be part of it. Also there is way more to the "Half circle" technique. You can do some amazing things with it. It's called "Pattern Along Path". Once again, in another video hopefully

[@CelticOneDesign]

@@NGraver001 Actually, Inkscape has both taper and power stroke path effects. That is the "hidden" power in Inkscape. One of the most useful path effects is the rotate LPE. With your skill at creating scroll patterns, you could create some facinating mandala art with Inkscape.

[@NGraver001]

I have done that. The available tools in Inkscape will keep you entertained for a looong time. lol

[@CelticOneDesign]

@@NGraver001 I purchased Affinity Designer last spring but I keep coming back to Inkscape for those little nuggets it has. For a maker/crafter, it still beats anything available. I use it as a design aid for Autodesk Fusion 360.

[@KaiSimolaHandEngraver]

I don't understand how you can use Inscape on an Apple device when it's not downloaded!

[@NGraver001]

I don't understand your question. Of course you have to download and install it.....even on a Mac. There is no version which will run on a mobile device though....

[@Endangereds]

What sort of bug is in the new versions?

[@NGraver001]

When using the Spiro function it creates straight line sections, usually between the first and second node. Usually it resolves after finalizing the line but not always. It's just a bit annoying.

[@bllawlk]

Never knew the spiral tool is this useful, thought it was just for gimmick lol

[@srb20012001]

Good tutorial. Bezier is pronounced beh•zee•ay, btw.

[@NGraver001]

Hahaha!. I knew better....Suprised I mispronounced it

[@theRiverOtter]

somebody made me edit my original comment :(

[@Dexter101x]

You make it look far too simple

[@NGraver001]

Sorry. I have been drawing scrolls for a long time. Inkscape has made it much easier though! Like any discipline the more you do it the easier it becomes. There are no dramatic shortcuts...