Inkscape Quickstart Guide

  • Difficulty Medium
  • Time required 30+ minutes

Inkscape is a free vector drawing program (similar to Adobe Illustrator) that can be used for creating design files for CNC machines such as a lasercutter, electronic (vinyl) cutter, milling machine and more.

In this guide, we’ll go over the basic tools and navigation you’ll need to start drawing designs in Inkscape.

Step 1: Open Inkscape

If you haven’t yet installed Inkscape, download it for free (Mac, Windows, or Linux) and then run the installer.

Step 2: Set the document size

 

Step 3: Add lines, shapes, and text

 

Step 4: Move, resize, and align objects

 

Step 5: Fill and stroke color

 

Step 6: Convert object to path

 

Step 7: Node edit tool

 

Further reading:

 

Inkscape