Pattern making

[bobdraw]

Hello everybody this is My first post on here, I've been trying to do a pattern for scrollsawing,
The question is...Take a object like Letter or a scrolled pattern...How do I make a new image of it that is dimensionally correct to fit inside the other image, Making them smaller each time you do it, So if you printed out a series of patterns for a scroll saw to cut out it would end up looking 3 dimensional if you see what I mean.
P.S. If I clone something or try draging one corner of an object to change it's size it doesn't fit exactly inside the other object, I feel there is a way to do it but My little Brain has no idea  ,
So if you guy's can help Me I would be very thankful!
Bob 

[brynn]

Welcome to the forum!

I think I understand what you're describing, but I don't have a high degree of confidence about it.  Actually a couple of things come to mind by your description.  So if you could show us an image of what you're trying to achieve, that would help us to give you the proper techniques, without wasting time on guessing.

I did write a couple of tutorials for what I call "embossed" and "engraved" text.  So that's creating the illusion of 3D, with the viewing angle usually, slightly off to one side, and above or below (in the same plane).  Here are those tutorials:
https://forum.inkscapecommunity.com/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=53
https://forum.inkscapecommunity.com/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=54

But I can also imagine that you're talking about a viewing angle centered above the letter ("above" in a different plane).  Creating that kind of 3D illusion would use an entirely different technique.

Or it's possible neither one of those is what you want?  So, as they say about the picture worth a thousand words - a visual example would help a lot 

[Lazur]

Hi.

Are you after some 1 point perspective effect?


Depending on what you are after using a 3D software like blender may suit the job much better.
Or just to have a reference setup for more realistic proportions, it's a good start.

Like, on a 1-point perspective effect the depth should be usually way more shallow that one would expect from the visual appearance.
This image may look convincing or have a striking effect, yet that long extrusion could fit an empty highway for miles. Therefore it doesn't make much sense in 3D:

[Moini]

Try this for getting large numbers of intermediate steps:

- Draw largest object, make sure it is a single path (either by combining if it consists of multiple paths, or by doing Path > Object to path, if it isn't a path)
- Duplicate it
- Select the duplicate
- Hold Shift + Ctrl, drag on resize handles to make it as small as the smallest object you need (this will resize around the center)
- Select both
- Open Extensions > Create from Path > Interpolate
- Play with the number of steps and the interpolation method until it looks as you need it.

For getting objects that use an inset / outset, use inset or outset (there are different options for that, I'd recommend reading up in the manual about them: http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Paths-Editing.html#Paths-Offsets )

[bobdraw]

Hello Moini and Lazur, Thank you for your input, But as Brynn says "A picture is worth a thousand words" So I will try and post a image of what I mean, Thanking you again,
Bob

[bobdraw]

Hello Brynn, Lazur and Moini, I just thought I can't put an image or a video of the subject i'd like to show you because of copyright issues, But if you could look on Youtube "Alex Fox" on His video's you will see the type of patterns He makes, He prints off His pattern and fixes them onto wood and cuts them all out and then Glues them together, As you would see the finished work looks 3d! as each pattern is slightly smaller than the last one!
So the question is how do I do that Myself using Inscape?
By the way Alex Fox said to someone anyone can make these patterns if they know how to use Graphic's programs,
Thanking you all, Bob...And yes...A picture does save a thousand words!!!

[Lazur]

Hi,
now that makes sense.

It's not about scaling the object then but drawing parallel lines around it -dynamic offsetting, or similar.
As you can construct parallel lines to a line but not to a point, that function has limited effect -original cusp nodes will end up rounded.

I belive gcodetools extensions have the functionality although I haven't got much experience with that.

[Moini]

The gcodetools extension uses the same functionality of Inkscape (the linked offsets) as far as I remember, so I don't expect to see a difference between the results - except for them being perfectly regular, which might not be useful if you want to vary the slope. And it is used to fill an area with concentric figures, so maybe not really useful.

It's totally fine (and helpful) to include a link to a video, Bob. If you know how, it's most helpful to link to a specific time in the video, too.

[Moini]

Instructions for linked offsets:

- Draw a shape with a stroke, so you can see the effect without having to change the fill color
- Select it
- Switch to node tool
- Do Path > Linked offset
- Drag on the new diamond-shaped handle to make the object larger

To add another one, select the original path again, and repeat.

Now play with changing the shape of the original path, and you'll see how the linked offsets will adapt themselves.

[bobdraw]

Thank you Lazur for your help and Thank you Moini also for your help too! I really appreciate you helping Me out with this problem I've had, I will play around with your idea and see if My little Brain can cope LOL
P.S will get back to you as soon as I can, Bob

[brynn]

Yes, please link to the video.  I'm still not exactly sure what you want to do.  (And not keen to search for a single video by someone's name - who knows how many videos they might have made.)