i am used to using adobe illustrator and my computer is in the shop. I am using a laptop now. I downloaded the free version of Inkscape 0.45 thinking it might be similar to Ai. But I can't do anything but draw shapes in it. I can't make that direct selection tool work. Where can I get good instructions on how to use inkscape? Can it do what Ai does?

It can do most of what Illustrator does and some things it can't.

If you are already familiar with Illustrator you may find my quick guide useful - http://www.microugly.com/inkscape-quickguide/
For a complete guide on how to use Inkscape, refer to http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/

Also take a look at http://inkscapetutorials.wordpress.com/ - lots of tutorials to get you up and running in no time! If you stick with it, I think you'll grow to really love Inkscape.

I use to Illustrator but since I have made the switch I haven't looked back. I really enjoy using the program, the forum is easy to navigate through and we are a friendly bunch.

Welcome to the community!

Thanks so much folks. What I really want to know is there a direct selection tool equivalent? I use that a lot.

margo wrote:Thanks so much folks. What I really want to know is there a direct selection tool equivalent? I use that a lot.

I provide a list of Illustrator tools and their Inkscape equivelent in the guide I linked above - here it is again - http://www.microugly.com/inkscape-quick ... ranslation

But to save you the effort, the direct selection tool equivalent is

I saw that but when i try to use that bezier tool to make a path or node it just makes a bunch of straight lines every time I move it.

To make curves with Bezier tool try click, drag then release. When you drag you create handles for the node that control how curved the path is on each side of the node. To edit the nodes and the handles use Node edit tool

oh, ok. thanks. Thanks to you all. And hugs.

I was wondering how to make nodes and handles on a circle to reshape it.

Thanks so much. I got it now.

I was wondering if there's a rotation tool. Not the kind that you fill in a number in a box. I want one that I can rotate an object freehand.

Answers to these sorts of questions are well documented in the resources we have already linked to in this thread. But because I'm too kind
http://www.microugly.com/inkscape-quick ... ize-object
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... -Mouse-SRS

You'll find you'll learn a lot more by looking for answers rather than asking for them. Of course, when you can't find answers we're here to help.

Also, please post new questions in new topics. Perhaps read the forum rules if you haven't already.

Thanks. I'm just so impatient I'm having to learn a new program while my computer is in the shop that I'm not concentrating. Sorry.

I'm so glad you understand.