Inkscape for Scientists and Engineers

Name: Inkscape for Scientists and Engineers
Rating: 4.3 (448 reviews)

High-quality graphs and diagrams for your PhD thesis and journal papers

Created byDr Aidan Wimshurst

Last updated 9/2022

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

How to download, install and setup Inkscape (click-by-click)
How to create high-quality scientific diagrams for journal papers and PhD / Masters theses
How to enhance line plots and contour plots created in Excel, MATLAB and Python
How to optimize graphs for PhD / Masters theses and journal papers
How to match the graph style in Inkscape to Word, PowerPoint and Latex documents

Course content

4 sections • 17 lectures • 4h 54m total length

Installation12:35
After completing this lecture you will have downloaded inkscape and installed it on your computer. This lecture uses a click-by-click approach to guide you through the installation in a simple and easy manner.
Inkscape Start Menu and Navigation12:31
This video shows how to create a new Inkscape document and navigate around Inkscape canvas and main menus.
Basic Shapes in Inkscape: The Rectangle Tool14:28
In this lecture, we look at creating basic shapes in Inkscape, starting with the rectangle tool. We also learn how to save an Inkscape file as an .svg file (a scalable vector graphics file) and what this file contains.
Basic Shapes in Inkscape: The Bezier Tool19:55
In this lecture, we learn how to use the bezier tool to create lines, arrows and complex shapes. The bezier tool is one of the most versatile tools in inkscape and is used throughout this course to create professional quality images.
Basic Shapes in Inkscape: Text Objects11:14
In this lecture, we learn how to add text objects in Inkscape. Text objects are useful for creating labels, text boxes and annotations in scientific diagrams and plots.
Example Problem 1: Two Asymmetric Circles2:20
An example problem, which will help you learn the basic controls in Inkscape (circle tool, bezier tool, text objects).
Example Problem 1: Solution13:42
In this video, the solution to example problem 1 (two asymmetric circles) is presented.

Microsoft Word25:39
In this lecture, you will learn how to export images from Inkscape into Microsoft Word and ensure that they are fully clear, consistent and professional.
Microsoft PowerPoint13:12
In this lecture you will learn how to export images from Inkscape and import them into PowerPoint and ensure that they are clear, consistent and professional.
Latex (Reports)24:44
In this lecture you will learn how to export images from Inkscape into Latex and ensure that they are sized correctly. You will also learn how to download and install the Latex font (CMU serif) and use it in Inkscape text objects.
Latex (Beamer Presentations)20:54
In this lecture you will learn how to export images from Inkscape into Latex (Beamer) Presentations and ensure that they are sized correctly. You will also learn how to calculate the text and figure width for beamer presentations with different aspect ratios (16:9, 4:3 etc).

Alignment and Distribution of Objects21:19
Learn how to use the 'align and distribution' controls to precisely align objects in complex figures.
Latex Equations in Inkscape27:38
In this lecture, you will learn how to import Latex formatted equations into Inkscape, using the programme KLatexFormula.
Creating Complex Diagrams by Tracing26:53
In this lecture, you will learn how to create complex diagrams in Inkscape by tracing over images. You will also learn how to use 'layers' to make this process easier by hiding the original image.
Example 2: Tracing Wave Motion20:44
In this lecture, you will use image tracing (from the previous lecture) to create a diagram of wave motion over a submerged object.
Enhancing MATLAB and Python plots24:43
In this lecture, you will learn how to enhance plots that you have created in MATLAB or Python by setting the figure size natively (in MATLAB or Python) and add labels and shaded areas to the plots.

Requirements

None

Description

High quality graphs and scientific diagrams can make your academic papers, technical reports and thesis stand out and leave a greater impact on the reader. This course will teach you how to optimize your graphs and diagrams so that they fit perfectly into your document. Regardless of whether you are writing a technical report in Word or your PhD thesis in Latex, this course will provide you with the tools you need to make spectacular graphs and diagrams using Inkscape. These skills will be useful throughout your entire scientific career and will consistently elevate the quality of your documents.

This course is designed specifically for students and professionals in the science, engineering and mathematics fields, not graphic designers. Every action / click is recorded and you will be guided in a step-by-step manner from installing Inkscape to confidently creating high quality graphics for your documents.

The course starts by installing Inkscape and guiding you through the basic controls, so that you gain confidence with the programme. Next the course looks are interfacing Inkscape with specific programmes (Word, Latex, Python, MATLAB, Excel) so that you can freely move your graphs and images between your calculations and your documents. The majority of the course then demonstrates how to create high quality scientific diagrams and combine them with your graphs to create spectacular images. Line plots and contour plots are covered, along with special techniques for creating complex scientific diagrams.

Who this course is for:

PhD Students
Masters Students
Post-Doctoral Researchers / Lecturers
Engineering, Science and Mathematics Professionals

Inkscape for Scientists and Engineers

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Getting Started with Inkscape7 lectures • 1hr 27min

Interfacing with Word, Latex, PowerPoint and Beamer4 lectures • 1hr 24min

Advanced Techniques5 lectures • 2hr 1min

Closing Remarks1 lecture • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: