-----Original Message----- From: inkscape-user-bounces@lists.sourceforge.net [mailto:inkscape-user-bounces@lists.sourceforge.net] On Behalf Of Kurt Hutchinson Sent: woensdag 21 november 2007 14:20 To: Inkscape User Community Subject: Re: [Inkscape-user] NEW: Live Path Effects
On Nov 20, 2007 7:13 PM, <J.B.C.Engelen@...2072...> wrote:
= Available effects =
Path along path
The Path along Path effect can curve a path along another
path. When
this effect is applied to a path, it can be bend along another path (called bend path). With the node edit tool, both the original path and the bend path can be changed on-canvas and the result
is updated live.
This provides a direct equivalent of "vector brushes" or "skeletal strokes" features in other vector editors.
[SNIP]
Pattern along path
The Pattern along Path effect can curve a path along another path. When this effect is applied to path A (called skeleton),
another path
B (called pattern) can then be passed as a parameter. The result is that path B is bent along path A. With the node edit tool,
path A can
be changed on-canvas and the result is updated live. This
provides a
direct equivalent of "vector brushes" or "skeletal strokes"
features
in other vector editors.
What exactly is the difference between these two? The descriptions actually make them sound like the same thing.
In the simplest case, the result of both effects are indeed the same. I will try to write something on the wiki about how LPE work, to make the difference more clear. In summary:
original path ---> LPE ---> output path ^ | parameters
This schematic shows how LPE work. The parameters can be paths, numbers, points, text, in principle anything. The original path is just that: a single path on which you apply the effect. The output path is also just a path, no stroke or color information or other things, just a sequence of points. The output style will be the same style as the original path. The difference between pattern and path along path is that the path to be bent is the original path for one and a parameter for the other:
original ---> Pattern along Path ---> output ^ | path parameter
output = path parameter is put along original (possibly multiple times, to create for example a necklace of circles with just one circle as path parameter) So you draw a path that is going to be cord of the necklace. Apply pattern along path LPE. Then change the path parameter to a circle (paste a circle onto the parameter). The style of the circle is discarded; the style of the cord will be the output style.
original ---> Path along Path ---> output ^ | path parameter ('bend path')
output = original bent along path parameter In order to create the same necklace, you first have to draw a long straight string of circles. Then combine the circles into one path (each circle will become a subcurve). Apply path along path. Then you can change the bend path parameter to shape your necklace.
Note that since the same pattern occurs many times for a necklace, it is best to use pattern along path. But if you'd like to bend just a single path and maintain its style (stroke, color, etc), you should apply path along path.
I think "Pattern along path" should be renamed, in any case. Inkscape already uses the word pattern for something completely unrelated. Consistent naming reduces user confusion, which is an important goal.
I aggree. I named it Pattern along Path in accordance to the extension effect that does the same.
I have proposed different names: Pattern along Path: 'skeletal strokes' 'stroke with path' <= my choice at this moment...
Path along path: 'bend path' 'bend object' 'bend' <= my choice at this moment
Perhaps you have better names? :-)
Johan