Sankey diagram with tubular effects

[resteves]

Hi,
I am trying to create a sankey graph but with a 3d tubular touch.
So, I created the attached drawing (drawing1.png), and combined the several segments into a unique element. Then, I tried to fill it with a gradient, but the result was odd (drawing2.png).
What am I doing wrong and how to create an effect that make it feel like tubes connected? I know that the simple gradient fill would not give the 3d sensation I am looking for.
Thank you.

[brynn]

Welcome to the forum!

When you say you combined several segments into one, do you mean that you used Path menu > Combine?

Even though you've made one compound path, with several sub-paths, you still have to connect the nodes, to be able to fill it properly.  Here's how to connect the nodes.

If 2 end nodes are on top of each other, you can select both by dragging a small selection box around them, with the Node tool.  If they aren't on top of each other, you can select one at a time, while holding the Shift key, to end up with both selected.

Then click "Join selected nodes" button on the Node tool control bar.  It looks like this   Or else there's a key shortcut, which you can find at Help menu > Key and Mouse Reference.

You'll need to closely inspect all the paths (with Node tool), to make sure thay are all connected.

[resteves]

Hi,
Thank you for the help. It solved my problem.
For some of the node pairs I had to use the simple join nodes, and other I had to use the join nodes with a new segment - It seems that I might have created wrong segment ends.
Thank you,
Rui
 

[brynn]

Good news!  You're welcome