Hello,

I have a closed shape (a text converted to curves) and I need to add an oute stroke (outline) to it. Inkscape creates outlines in an inner stroke mode by default and I cannot find the option to make it outer stroke, as it is possible in CorelDRAW.

How do I do it in Inkscape?

There might be a more efficient way to do it but for my stuff I duplicate the object, apply outset a couple of times from the path pull down, give it a different color then send it to the back of my original object. Group them afterward if you like.

heathenx wrote:There might be a more efficient way to do it but for my stuff I duplicate the object, apply outset a couple of times from the path pull down, give it a different color then send it to the back of my original object. Group them afterward if you like.

I think a dynamic offset would work better than outsetting a duplicate b/c the path will be smoother and more accurately represent the orginal shape outline.

@llogg

I use that method too. Outset on the other hand allows me to "step" out the stroke. It's a tad more exact whereas dynamic offset is like a "free hand" feature.

Just for clarity, Inkscape doesn't have an option for an outer stroke because it's not part of the SVG standard (who knows why).

Just for clarity, Inkscape doesn't have an option for an outer stroke because it's not part of the SVG standard (who knows why).

Hmm...yes, I wonder why. I wouldn't mind an inner and outer stroke feature actually. I would put that to use.

In regards to llogg's and heathenx's techniques: it really depends on the look you want. For a thick outer stroke, outsetting by large steps will more closely match the original shape of the object, especially a shape with cornerns. Dynamic offsets become more and more rounded the bigger you make them.

The method I usually use is to clone the object, lower the clone underneath, and then stroke the clone. (Remember the original object will need its stroke set to Unset.)This gives you exactly an outer stroke, because the inner stroke is hidden. In addition, you can control the precise thickness of the stroke, and easily change that later if needed.

An inner stroke using duplicates: duplicate object, use duplicate to clip original. With clones: Create two clones and use one to clip the other.
The reason you have to make two clones is because a clone can't clip or be clipped by its original. There seems to be a bug though, because if you move the original object, the clone being used as the clipping path will move, even if you have that "how do clones move" preference marked as "stay unmoved". Which means the clipping path moves, but the clone being clipped doesn't move. Guess I'll go enter a bug report for that.

Just wanted to say this post is still relevant unless there is a new way to do it that I am unaware of? I am new to Inkscape and Outer Stroke still seems to be problem?

Inkscape does now support "Paint-"Order", which can provide the effect of outside stroke to some degree... it can put the fill on top of the stroke.

Info on the SVG spec here: http://tavmjong.free.fr/blog/?p=1090

Inkscape details in the tutorial here: https://fullcirclemagazine.org/issue-118/