Inkscape User Interface Overview

User Interface Overview

• Inkscape displays a separate window for each document, featuring various toolbars and a central white rectangle representing the canvas.
• The recommended view for better usability in this manual is 'Wide view,' accessible via View ‣ Wide Screen.

Changing Themes

• The manual utilizes a light theme to enhance readability, which can be adjusted by navigating to Edit ‣ Preferences, then selecting Interface ‣ Theming and disabling the dark theme option.

Main Interface Components

• Application Menu Bar: Located at the top, it includes standard menu options (e.g., File ‣ Save, Edit ‣ Copy) and Inkscape-specific commands.
• Tool Controls Bar: Positioned below the application menu, it provides adjustable options relevant to the currently selected tool.
• Toolbox: Found vertically on the left side, it houses primary drawing tools for shape creation and editing; only one tool can be active at a time.

Canvas and Commands

• Canvas: The large blank area for editing images, with a white rectangle indicating the visible page area.
• Commands Bar: Located on the right, offers quick access to frequently used commands; additional commands can be revealed by clicking a right-facing arrow.

Additional Features

• Snap Controls: Accessed via a little arrow next to a magnet symbol in the top right corner; users are advised to deactivate snapping by clicking the magnet symbol or pressing % if active.
• Rulers: Present at the top and left margins of the canvas to assist with grid and guideline placement.
• Scrollbars: Located on the right and bottom to allow movement across the canvas.
• Color Palette: Positioned near the bottom of the window, facilitating color selection during the design process.