Hello,

I'm currently trying to create my handwriting in inkscape with effects that show the words "being written." I have gotten my letters down to a small number of nodes each and the letter strokes display, but I want them to start and end in a specific order. How can I tell which of my nodes comes first and last, and what is the number of each node?

Any feedback is appreciated.

The easiest approach I can think of is the "Number Nodes" extension (Extensions > Visualise Path > Number Nodes...). This will replace your path with numbered points, so you might want to duplicate your path first in order to see the numbers on top of the original path.

To find the start node, you can switch to node tool and hit 'Tab'.
To see the direction of the path, activate this option in the node tool's options (double-click on node tool icon to get there quickly):