How do you join paths in Inkscape?
For instance, use paths to draw a trapezoid. I would like to join the opposite corners with a 5th and a 6th line, so that each of the 4 nodes has three lines connecting it. How to do this?
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Does this answer your question? How to Connect Bezier Curves in Inkscape?– davidcondreyDec 10, 2022 at 20:00
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Thanks for the link. The answer below answers my question pretty well.– JackDec 11, 2022 at 13:31
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1 Answer
You cannot have a branch (a node with more than two segments) in a path, due to a limitation of SVG specification, to which inkscape is strictly adherent: a node can only connect to two adjacent nodes.
You can simulate the effect by drawing two lines and combining or grouping them.
See this post on Inkscapeforum.com and this answer on Graphicdesign.stackexchange.
If you need a more specific tool, you can can use something like Geogebra, which is also able to export to SVG.
answered Aug 14, 2018 at 7:33
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It's not just in Inkscape, and not only an SVG limitation. It's also not possible to join a path to the anchors of a closed path in Adobe Illustrator. In fact, it's probably not possible in any 2D vector image editing software. Aug 14, 2018 at 7:51
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I agree, but the question was related to Inkscape. There are some tools specific for network or for topology which manage such a kind of situation without involving connectors, but I don't dare to classify them as vector image editing software. And of course in 3D tools a vertex can join multiple edges. Aug 14, 2018 at 9:03
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2Thank you for the answer, especially for pointing out it is a limitation of SVG and not just Inkscape. It seems like such a fundamentally reasonable thing to want to do. I believe your suggestion of combining them will do what I want to do. Thanks again.– JackAug 14, 2018 at 9:22
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@Jack - actually, fundamentally it's not a reasonable thing to want to do in 2D vector software. A vector, by definition, has either a start and end point (an open path), or is a closed path (such as a trapezoid). So, if you think about it, vectors can only be joined at their start/end points. A closed path has no start and end point, so there's nothing to join it to. Welcome to the crazy world of vectors! Aug 14, 2018 at 9:59