Inkscape.org
Beginners' Questions Smoothing paths problem
  1. #1
    Yossi D Yossi D @YossiD

    I am trying to smooth the sharp corners of this path. I have tried using Make the selected nodes smooth and Insert new node, but so far no joy. What am I missing? 

    The path was created using a graphics tablet and Microsoft Whiteboard, with the file saved as PDF and dragged into Inkscape using Poppler/Cairo import. Whiteboard used to have an Export to SVG option, but no longer, and Save as PDF is the only vector output option.

    Thanks for any guidance.

  2. #2
    Yossi D Yossi D @YossiD

    I have also tried using the graphics tablet directly in Inkscape, but the results have been poor compared with MS Whiteboard; it doesn't look nearly as natural. Any advice how to get best results with the tablet in Inkscape?

  3. #3
    Polygon Polygon @Polygon🌶

    Note that the path s not closed: 1. Just added nodes and deleted the corner node. 2. Closed the path and extended the handles with shift key. 

  4. #4
    Yossi D Yossi D @YossiD

    Wow, so easy when you know how. Thanks very much.

    Do you have any suggestions for how to get good results with a graphics tablet in Inkscape? I am using it to create vector signatures.

    Thanks

  5. #5
    Paddy_CAD Paddy_CAD @Paddy_CAD

    A powerful Inkscape feature often taken for granted is the ability to preserve shapes as you add and delete nodes. You can take advantage of this to change sharp corners to smooth curves. With the node tool [n], [double-click] to add a node and [del] to remove a node.

  6. #6
    Yossi D Yossi D @YossiD

    Thank you both.

    I only use Inkscape from time to time and mostly learn how to use it by trial & error, internet searches, and occasional questions here on the forum. If I were a heavy user I'd take the time to go through lots of tutorials, but I can't justify the time for that now, so I really appreciate your help.

  7. #7
    Tyler Durden Tyler Durden @TylerDurden

    The tutorials in Inkscape's Help menu are fast and easy... they will save you time in the long run.

    So will the manuals:

    http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/index.php

    https://inkscape-manuals.readthedocs.io/en/latest/