I was introduced to
Inkscape when I first began using my
Eggbot. Inkscape is "an Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X, using the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format." What's so important about this, you may ask? Two reasons. First, Inkscape creates vector graphics in a format many CNC (computer numerical control) devices like the Eggbot or laser cutters can interpret to cut, engrave, or draw your designs. Secondly, because Inkscape is Open Source it's free and available for anyone to download and work with!
Unlike your typical paint and pencil graphics programs (think MS Paint), vector graphics programs can be somewhat challenging to use as they're not entirely intuitive. Quite a few excellent tutorials can already be found on the
Inkscape Tutorials Page. The tutorial I'll be presenting here is specifically geared towards creating or preparing graphics to be used with cnc devices. As with any relatively complex program, it will take time before you can become proficient, but this tutorial should help with the first steps.
You can watch the first part below.
