I'm currently trying to trace something in black... but the path is dark red, and the node handles are also impossible to see. Is there a way to change it so that as I'm tracing with the pen tool I can actualy see what im doing?

Just to clarify: I mean the path color as you make it.

When you use the pen tool, a straight red line is formed, and follows the pen, from the point you 1st click, to where ever the pen moves on the canvas, up until the point you click again, establishing your 2nd node point. At that moment, the formerly red line turns green, and it's still straight. Now from that 2nd click, there is a new red line between that point and the pen, where ever it is on the canvas. And when you click again, the same process over and over as you click. The previously red line turns green, and a new red line forms between the last point clicked and the pen.

When you've finished "tracing" your path, you need to double click at the ending point. That finishes the path, and the whole thing changes from green to black. Still, no nodes will be visible. I put quotes around "tracing" because at this point, you really are just establishing your node points; the actual path, indicated in green, probably doesn't follow what you're tracing, unless it is made up of straight lines.

Next, choose the Node tool, and the moment you do so, all the nodes will be visible. Now you can node edit. You will see that they are all corner, or cusp nodes, and unless what you're tracing is made up of all straight lines, you will want to change most or at least many of them to smooth nodes. When you change them to smooth nodes, the handles will appear. Or, you can use Shift + Click and drag to pull handles out of the corner or cusp nodes; but it won't behave like a smooth node, until you change it to a smooth node.

I think the colour is hard-coded in 0.47. this has (half) changed in the node tool re-wright that happened for google summer of code, but it still isn't possible to change the colours yet. sorry

ah, I see. Thanks for the clarification at least though ^^D

Afterthought -- If it would fit within your workflow, you could temporarily change the color of the background to a better contrasting color to the red/green. Unless it's a colorblindness issue.

I can't find it now, but some time ago, someone posted something about a....like a colorblindness extension?....or something designed to help those who are colorblind. But I can't find it now

Well, if that is your issue, let us know. I'm sure some of us other long-time members will remember that topic, and hopefully know where it is. (I don't know why the search engine doesn't find it )

Nah I was just trying to trace a red object in a red object with a red path lolz - thanks for your help though I like that background idea!