I'm sorry the word Raster kinda slipped out while reading your post. You can only apply Raster effects to raster formats (.jpg .png .gif), you can't apply them to vector objects. If you want to whirl (or do other deformations to) your Inkscape objects look under Modify Path category of Effects, or ...

prkos wrote:Turn the objects to paths before applying the effects, it's under Path > Object to Path.

Yeah that didn't work but thanks for trying The lines and bezier curves are already paths and when I converted a few star shapes and rectangles it did nothing.

I am using this program to make tribal tattoo designs. I cannot get the effects swirl or wave from the effects/raster menu to work. I have tried using it on drawn lines, various star formations and on various rectangle shapes. I push the apply button and nothing happens. I am using Inkscape 0.46 on ...