Hi

I have recently installed Inkscape, but I am having a hard time finding information on the basic features I need. This is probably partly due to me not knowing the proper name of the features I need (I was shown how to do the tasks I require in CorelDRAW) and partly due to the fact that most tutorials I have found seem to focus primarily on more creative and/or advanced features than the ones I need. I have absolutely no prior experience with this type of software.

I just need some basic non-creative features. I will be using the software to modify and assemble graphs and figures created in separate software, such as Originlab.

My current task consists of the following steps;

-Import multiple graphs (as images) and make them editable
-Possibly doing minor rescaling
-Very precisely allign these graphs, so the axes match (in CorelDRAW this could be done by having a horisontal help-line at the top and bottom of the area that the graphs need to occupy)
-Connecting the end of lines/error-bars to make an enclosed area, better visualizing the changing uncertainty (by joining nodes?)
-Colouring this area of uncertainty
-Adding carefully alligned text.

Ive tried looking at the sticky posts and searching youtube, but since Im not even sure about what functions I need this has been mostly unsuccessful. If I manage to complete this task in a satisfactory manner it might lead to my first chance to publish a scientific article, so all help will be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hi.

The mentioned graph program can export to pdf too which may/may not work better as importing the graphs as (raster)images.

For guide lines just click and drag the rulers at the top/left side.
By double clicking the guide line you can define their exact rotation angle if needed.

Raster images, graphs this case cannot be edited as per se. They are flattened, no parts on "different layers" -like cannot separate the axis from the plot.
You can either redraw them or try with the imported pdf.
Which format usually has an ugly structure, since that format is meant to be printed and not edited, but that seems the best way importing your file as vectors?
Maybe not, wmf could be better (haven't tried that format myself).
Dxf is more of a cad format, might produce different results.


For the drawing part use the pen/Bézier tool.

If you import a vector graphic, you will need these features:

- Status line: at the bottom. It will always tell you what you have selected, and also why something didn't work
- Ungrouping: Ctrl + U
- or Entering a group (to be able to select its member objects): double-click on it
- Scaling: use Selection tool (first tool at the top, cursor icon), hold Ctrl down to keep aspect ratio while pulling on handles
- Aligning: also take a look at the 'Align and Distribute' dialog, Object -> Align and Distribute
- Joining two nodes: use node tool (second tool from top), click on a path, select a node, select another node holding Shift down, then in the tool bar at the top select the correct button (the one with two nodes and a line between them)
- Change color: select object, and either click on a color field at the bottom palette, or use the Fill and Stroke dialog (Object -> Fill and Stroke)
- Add text: Click with the text tool on the canvas, write, select a font / font size (in that order!) For alignment, see above mentioned dialog.

Also see http://vektorrascheln.de/posts/2015/Dec ... is-en.html for a nice overview (with animations) of all basic features.

Thanks a lot to both of you for your helpful replies.

@ Lazur:

Not sure if I misunderstood the part about raster images, but my intention is to import the graphs as vector images. Importing PDF files might solve my initial problem, it just seemed like my supervisor could simply drag and drop images into CorelDRAW and then move/delete parts of the image straight away (for example importing a graph and then removing the axes by simply selecting them and pressing "delete").

@ Moini:

I recognize a lot of the functions you mention from my (very) short introduction to CorelDRAW, very useful.

Im not at my own PC at the moment, but Im looking forward to experiment with the mentioned features once Im home again.

- Thanks again to both of you for taking time to respond, I really appreciate it.