How to Use Brushes in Inkscape

Brushes are handy in any graphic program, and Inkscape is no different. This article shows you some ways to use them.

In this article, you will learn how to quickly create a brush.

Steps

1
Import a PNG.
2
Vectorize it by performing an automatic trace and simplify the resulted path (you can use a brush obtained by whatever way you like, just be aware some of the tips described below work only with a path, not with a group or a special shape).

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3
Select your path, drag it freely over the canvas and press the Space key while dragging from time to time when you want to place a stamp.
4
Alternatively, select the path, press Space and start dragging the path while the key is pressed. Control the density by adjusting the drag speed.

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This is using an extension included with Inkscape 0.45, in future version its name and location may be changed.

1
Draw a bézier curve as a guide, modify its shape at will.
2
Select the path stamp (it should be a single path, not a group) and the guide and use Effects > Generate from Path > Pattern along Path.
- For a nicer effect, the result is colored with a simple gradient.
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This is using an extension included with Inkscape 0.45, in future version its name and location may be changed.

1
Create two copies of your path, use different colors if you like.
2
Select both of them and use Effects > Generate from Path > Interpolate.
3
If the start and end paths have different colors, check the "Interpolate style" box.

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1
Select the path and use Edit > Clone > Create Tiled Clones.
2
Play with the parameters as you will. In this case, Scale, Rotation and Opacity were randomized.
- For a "messy" look, use the Unclump button (not illustrated here).
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