Single Node

[TMadisson]

Does anyone know how one can place a single node? 

My goal when creating artwork in inkscape is to use as few nodes as possible - which in my mind will keep the file as lean as possible (please correct if i am wrong on this) Therfore, if i can create a single node for use in shading it could cut down my current file size by five times what it is currently using.

[Lazur]

Hi.

Never tried it with the pen tool in one go.
It is possible to do so by node editing -to make 1 noded closed paths. Yet it's not easier to handle at editing and not much smaller on the file size if smaller at all.
1 node with two segments vs. 2 nodes connected with a linear segment can be larger depending o if those two segments are curved or not.

Not exactly sure what you are after though.
Previously we had vector art optimising challenges, maybe it would be a good material for a new one?

[brynn]

This tutorial is about preventing or working with performance issues in Inkscape.  But it lists all the things which tend to make file sizes larger.  So you could use the info as a guide, perhaps, in reducing your file size.

https://forum.inkscapecommunity.com/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=35

Edit
I agree that it's usually better to keep the file as lean as possible.  I'm not sure if using a single node, closed path would be helpful.  I guess it depends on what's happening in the drawing.  Having only one node would make it difficult to edit that path.

Really, the only situation I can think that would be helpful, is if you have an image made of many, many, many circles or simple ellipses.  I mean, it would have to be able to reduce the number of nodes by at least 100, to really have much effect on  the file size.  And I'm thinking -- you have 100 circles or more???

Oh, just re-reading your title.  No, it's not possible to place only one node, not with any Inkscape tool.  You can only achieve it by removing all but one node of a closed path.

[TMadisson]

Ok great, thanks guys.
What i've decided to do is spray paint the areas in where i want the shadows as before but then go back through unifying and dividing them up using the boolean options to reduce down the amount of nodes.

[brynn]

Oh, the Spray tool?  Yes, that can create tons of nodes very fast!  There is an option to spray clones.  That should reduce the file size some.  Talk about 1 node -- a clone has zero nodes!

Edit
Or you could try the Spray in a Single Line option.  It doesn't do exactly what it sounds like.  It does not spray in a straight line, necessarily.  Maybe if you put Scatter at zero, it might go in a straight line - I'm not sure.

But anyway, what it does, is automatically Union the objects which are touching.  If you don't want to use clones, that might save you a few steps?

[Lazur]

Sounds the approach of this kind of shading suits raster methods better -a raster brush in a raster editor or using filtering.
The latter is possible to achieve in inkscape -only limitation is of the rendering and that the look would need tracing to be able using it with cnc.

For example this one was traced after a filter was applied on a photograph.
Filter could work the same way with a gradient filled object/objects.

This is something similar as well -original image was a simple clipart:

[TMadisson]

Actually that approach would probably reduce the file size as i wish. I'm still to look at the interesting link Brynn sent over. Attached is a little part of the illustration im working on in inkscape.