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Author Topic: Cannot select arc tool  (Read 2426 times)

June 05, 2018, 11:42:21 PM
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nomisco

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Hi all, new user to inkscape and drawing!

I have been trying to draw a rainbow and so far have drawn multiple circles on top of each other in different colours (so I have a full 360 degree rainbow). I realise I could do this in an easier way by drawing an arc instead, but no matter what I do, I cannot select the tool. It is permanently greyed out.

I have searched the web and can only find old bug reports. I have also seen a post about resetting the tool which is a sweeping brush type icon, but I don't have that anyway.

Please help!
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June 06, 2018, 01:16:13 PM
Reply #1

Lazur

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Hi.

I'd draw two concentric circles -one with black, one with white.
Use the interpolate objects extension to get a greyscale radial gradient of overlaying flat filled circles,
then would generate a colormap filter of a spectrum gradient with the right extension
-if was after flat filled circles.
However I'd more likely use a simple radial gradient fill. Much easier and mostly it'd be the better rendering solution.
 

June 06, 2018, 09:25:04 PM
Reply #2

brynn

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Welcome to the forum!

Those buttons on the control bar are not for making an arc or wedge, but for choosing arc or wedge, after you already "open" the ellipse or circle.  To do that, grab the tiny circle handle on the right of the ellipse/circle, and drag.  Or the other way would be to put a non-zero value in either Start or End fields.  In any case, once it's "open", you can click either one of those buttons, depending what you want.

Note that I use the word "wedge" to describe what this button makes :eseg: and "arc" for this button :earc:.  Normally I try to stick to Inkscape terminology.  But Inkscape calls what I call a wedge, a "segment", which I find confusing in a few different ways.

Another interesting thing to note, is that you don't necessarily have to click either arc or wedge button.  As you drag the tiny circle handle, if your mouse is inside the original ellipse/circle, Inkscape makes arcs.  If your mouse is outside the original object, it makes wedges.

Interesting, a rainbow was the very first thing I tried drawing with Inkscape, too!  But I had not yet discovered the fact the Ellipse/Circle tool could be used for that.  I was trying to use the Pencil tool!
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June 07, 2018, 05:06:37 AM
Reply #3

nomisco

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Thanks for your help, makes sense now!
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