First of all to the creators: awesome program, thanks. This is why I love the open source community

I am kind of a beginner, but not completely. I have searched for tutorials. They were either very basic filled with information I already know or they were very advanced. So I couldn't find my answer there.

I am creating a logo. I want two parts of that are connected by a line that starts vertically with downward direction, then bends 90 degrees to get horizontal and later on vertical again going upwards. I want the bends to be rounded. But how do I get a line like that with identical bends? In Photoshop I would draw a rectangular form with 4 rounded corners and just erase the upper 80% of it. But I don't know how to do it in Inkscape. Anyone have any tips?

This should be the line:

Welcome to InkscapeForum!

Ah yes, there's an easy way to do this. Use the Rectangle tool and drag out a rectangle. In the top right corner (still with Rectangle tool) you'll see a tiny circle. Grab that and drag downwards, and you will start to see some rounded corners. Now look again in the same corner and you'll see another tiny circle. The first circle controls the vertical aspect of the rounded corner and the 2nd controls the horizontal. So you can use one or both to achieve the perfect corner that you need.

Once you have the adjustment just right, use Path menu > Object to Path. This will convert it to a path. Next switch to the Node tool. If you position the mouse over the line, you can double-click to place a new node at the place where you need to break the path. Same on other side. Next select both new nodes and click Break Path at Selected Nodes button (Node tool control bar, 4 button from left). Next Path menu > Break Apart. Click on open area of canvas to deselect everything. And now you can easily select and delete the unwanted part. (Unless you realize that you can use the other part, then don't delete it )

Let us know if you have any trouble

Another alternative approach would be to follow Brynn's instructions up to the end of the first paragraph to get a rounded rectangle. Adjust the stroke thickness, then do Path > Stroke to Path. Now draw another rectangle over the top 80% of the first one. Select both objects them use Path > Difference to "cut" the second path from the first one.

That will leave you with the black part of your image. If you need the inside area filled as well, this might not be the best approach. In that case it might also be worth looking at using a clipping path on a rounded rectangle - that has the advantage of being able to modify the size of the rectangle and the roundness of the corners at a later time.

Ah yes, Xav -- always with the most efficient techniques

brynn wrote:Ah yes, Xav -- always with the most efficient techniques

Off topic:

(We should set up some kind of "Inkscape Masters" title, or something like Microsoft's MVP program. Xav would certainly qualify )

You're far too kind! I still feel like a relative newbie round here as I'm always picking up ideas and tips from the other users.

As for efficiency - I guess that's what comes from working on a webcomic-plus-Easter-Egg every fortnight for three years; without a bit of efficiency we'd never manage to get them done on time!