Using Inkscape effects wisely

Even More Effects

The two extensions Extensions | Modify Path | Fractalize and Extensions | Modify Path | Jitter Nodes can create complex, jagged lines without a problem. Because they act on existing nodes only, the process wasn't as easy as converting the rectangle to a path for the effects in the upper left of Figure 7.

It was first necessary to use Extensions | Modify Path | Add Nodes to split the edges into many subsegments. Their number created the base for the intricacy of both effects.

The Extensions | Render function creates new paths instead of modifying existing ones. The L-System (Fractal-Lindenmayer) rendering creates some natural-looking shrubs, trees, and other patterns based on a fractals [7]. With Extensions | Generate from Path | Pattern Along Path , you can add leaves to the tree.

The Extensions | Generate from Path | Interpolate effect provides neat results by segueing the form and color of one path into another. Extensions | Generate from Path | Voronoi creates semi-random cell growth diagrams that resemble structures you find in nature.

Extensions | Render includes extensions such as wireframes and grids for geometric shapes, as well as a Function Plotter . The Inkscape manual provides details on the many other extension functions [8].

Conclusion

The 220 Inkscape filters give simple drawing objects a distinguished and often artistic look. In many cases, they can create the illusion of depth without the user having to grapple with 3D coordinates.

Because the filter effects are based on the published SVG specification [9], every modern browser (read: except Internet Explorer) can show them without first converting them to bitmaps. Another interesting addition is that Inkscape now has 13 Live Path Effects and about 150 Extensions for automatically drawing complicated forms. Thus, you can do your part in transforming simple drawings into works of art.