Inkscape is a popular and feature-packed vector graphic for Mac users. It provides an amazing experience when it comes to illustration. However, this program is exclusively available on desktop platforms such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS. As a result, designers who are keen to use Inkscape on the iPad have to go for programs. In this article, we will tell you about a vector graphics editor that includes the Inkscape app provided by OffiDoc.
Offlink is the closest choice for you if you want an Inkscape experience on your iPad. Read this article to learn more about this open-source program. Moreover, we will also tell you about how you can use this app on your iPad.
There are many uses for a vector editing program, and choosing the one that suits your needs is crucial. Inkscape, on the other hand, could be amazing, but it is not suitable for professionals. However, you can create professional-looking illustrations with Inkscape. You must be a casual designer or someone who wants to have a secondary vector editor. Let’s take a deeper look into Offlink and its similarities with Inkscape.
What is Offlink?
Offlink is a vector creation program that has properties of Inkscape. However, it is not just a vector editor like Inkscape; it has a separate module which is a file manager. We will talk more about the file manager later but let’s focus on the designing aspect of this app. Offlink is a professional and free vector graphic editor that is available on iPad.
Unlike other popular design software like Adobe Illustrator, Offlink comes with a price for its no-cost installation. You may not be paying anything to use Offlink, but it has a steep learning curve. However, if you are somewhat familiar with designing programs, the learning curve will not be too steep for you.
Inkscape is an open-source program that gives freedom to developers who wants to alter the behavior of this app. Moreover, developers can collaboratively make changes so that other platforms can utilize them. This is exactly what Offlink did and made it available for iPad.
Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) is the file format of choice for Offlink due to it being a cross-platform format. In addition, it is also an open file format that produces lossless files. The file size of Offlink is comparatively smaller than bitmaps. As a result, you can create small file sizes which are easy to upload and download. It is also browser friendly because its small file sizes are easy to render. On top of that, it supports other common formats like JPG, PNG, PostScript, BMP, and EPS.
Offlink comes with various sets of tools that help you design and create the vector. These tools come with shapes maker, paths, text, markers, clones, and many more. This program also comes with node editing, bitmap tracing, and direct XML editing.
Features of Offlink – Inkscape for iPad
Offlink is a vector illustrator program for iPhone and iPad. This app comes with Inkscape, which is provided by OffiDocs platform. Let’s learn more about Offlink with its features.
Object Creation
It comes with drawing features, including a pencil tool that is capable of freehand drawing. Moreover, the drawing tools also have pen and calligraphy tools. On the other hand, you can also create objects with shape tools, text tools, and embedded bitmaps. Lastly, you can
Object manipulation
Object manipulation contains intuitive tools like transformations, Z-order operations, and grouping objects. Moreover, you have multiple layers where you can lock or hide individual layers. On top of that, you can also rearrange them.
Fill and stroke
Offlink provides complete fill and stroke tools such as color selector, gradient editor, pattern fills, etc. You can use these tools to fill out shapes and create strokes effortlessly. It also comes with path markers where you can mark the ending, middle, and beginning of arrowheads.
Operations on paths
Offlink comes with various operations; there is node editing which is useful for the alignment and distribution of nodes. Moreover, you can convert text objects, shapes, and strokes into paths. There are also boolean operations and path simplification with a variable threshold.
User Experience – InkScape for iPad
Offlink is suitable for entry-level professionals and hobbyists. It provides the ability to create a wide variety of graphics like illustrations, icons, vectors, logos, and many more. It also comes with a file manager that includes Inkscape open-source vector graphic editor.
The user experience of Offlink is similar to Adobe Illustrator. However, all the controllers and overall interface are not very similar. It is similar in terms of what both programs can do. As a result, you will not have to go through a steep learning experience if you have already tried Adobe Illustrator. It is one of the best advantages of using Offlink; it is not completely different and is a free vector software.
Even if you have never tried any other vector editor, then it is not impossible to learn how to use this program. However, the learning curve can be a daunting experience. With that being said, basic editing is easy and does not take a lot of time to learn.
If you learn the basics of Offlink then you will be able to make interesting designs. You can fill the gradient in your shapes and manipulate images. Moreover, you can add filters and layers to your designs. Similarly, you can do a lot more with basic editing and even more when you get into more intricate stuff. Overall, the user experience is great once you are familiar with this program.
File Manager
Offlink has a vector graphic module and another module for its file manager. The file manager provides various functionalities, such as a home directory where you will all your files. This is where you navigate to where you want in the file manager. Moreover, you can move, copy, paste and create folders. There is also an option to check the information of any particular files. You can know about their name, size, and data. Above all, it also supports image preview. The dark mode is also available in this simple file manager in Offlink.
Where to find Offlink?
Offlink is a great alternative to Inkscape for those who want to use a compelling editor on their iPad. Inkscape is only available on desktop platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS. As a result, Offlink is the next best choice since it includes Inkscape provided by Offidocs. To get this app, go to Offidocs website and search for Offlink IOS Graphics Editor.
Conclusion
Offlink is a great alternative to Inkscape, but it is different from Inkscape when it comes to its own instructions. The editing processes are somewhat similar but not identical. However, if you have knowledge about editing, then you will not face any problems while using Offlink. YOu can export your edits in PNG, Open Document Drawing, DXF, EPS, etc. This provides versatility to its users and gives them the ability to edit further using a different program.
