Basic Inkscape questions

[adbuch]

Here is show to control the "snaps" function, you move the sliders to the left for less effect (tune down the distance for the action).
On the stroke and path question I normally do them when each element is drawn, like letters on a path. After you attach and position the letters I make them a path, then they stay that way. Items need to be a path for the join or other functions for them to work. Do not mix stroke items with outline items it messes thing up.
asnapes.JPG

Thanks for that Tom! I had not yet looked at the snap "tuning" feature. I will check it out.
David

[adbuch]

One final thing though that I didnt see answered...what is object/stroke to path actually for and when do I need to use it and at what stage of the drawing process do I use it?

"Stroke to path will convert the stroke into a filled path consisting of two sub-paths. Break apart on that will turn those two sub-paths into separate paths, one inside the other. Union combines those paths in such a way that effectively only the outer path remains."

[adbuch]

Here is an example where Stroke to Path is used several times. My steps were as follows:

1. Create ellipse, object to path, and then stroke to path
2. Create curved line, then stroke to path
3. Union ellipse and curved path
4. Create text and object to path, ungroup, and combine
5. Use Path Effects tool to fit text to curved path
6. Union text to ellipse/curved path

stroke to path example.svg

(14.34 KiB) Downloaded 53 times

[Nzniceguy]

Great, thanks again guys.

[adbuch]

Great, thanks again guys.

You could try to duplicate the one I showed above by following the steps. It is pretty simple and will give you some practice using the stroke to path, object to path, union, and several other Inkscape tools.
David