Appendix F. Tips for Illustrator Converts

This section is to help those with experience using Illustrator to adapt to Inkscape.

Key Mappings

Inkscape has its own key mappings optimized for use with the Inkscape GUI. However, if you already know the Illustrator key mappings, you might find it easier to use those. To change key mappings, rename the file adobe-illustrator-cs2.xml to default.xml in the directory share/keys.

Terminology

Inkscape has its own terminology and way of doing many of the things found in Illustrator. Here is a dictionary between the two.

Illustrator to Inkscape

Anchor Points

  • Nodes. Use Node Tool to manipulate.

Arc Tool

  • Ellipse Tool.

Autotrace Tool

  • Use Trace Bitmap dialog.

Blend Tool

  • Use Interpolate effect.

Brushes

  • Use Pattern Along Path ...

Get Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program, Second Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.