This is the first figure that I made with the vector graphics editor Inkscape
To create the beautiful figures in my dissertation, I have decided to venture away from my beloved xfig. Over the past five years, I have become proficient in using xfig, as it is Herbert’s editor of choice. However, I have found it to be quite a nuisance to constantly export to PS/Tex.
I first tried to use ipe, since this is the tool that Dave uses. I can save directly to a PDF in ipe, so the extra step of exporting my figure could be eliminated if I were to use this program. After failing to create a simple example that involved a Circle and four lines, I became frustrated. I tried for a whole hour to move just one point.
Then, Andy suggested using Inkscape. He said that it is more intuitive than ipe. Shortly after beginning my exploration of Inkscape, I found a tutorial online that walked through creating a soup can. At first, I had some issues with creating ellipses (they all had a pizza slice taken out of them!) After that was sorted out, I was easily able to make a can, with a customized label and a shadow.
Tags: dissertation, ellipses, inkscape, ipe, vector graphics, vector graphics editor, xfig
February 14 2012 at 11:54 pm |
Win. Inkscape is awesome!
February 14 2012 at 11:58 pm |
Wow. That might have been the fastest comment EVER! I still haven’t closed the WordPress window.
February 21 2012 at 2:57 am |
Be careful with Inkscape. I stupidly one time worked on a figure for 1 1/2 hour and an error happened and I lost the whole thing. You might be able to setup autosave, but I haven’t figured it out. I just save every couple of minutes now.
February 21 2012 at 8:13 am |
Luckily I don’t have the patience to work on a figure for 1.5 hours non-stop. But, I do appreciate the warning. I will make sure to save often.
November 20 2012 at 11:55 am |
I use Inkscape and find it very intuitive even comparing the commercial standard software such as Illustrator.
Personally I love it