Rotate copies: create index for watch?

Question

I wish to create a watch index picture with Inkscape.

I know I can use LPE's Rotate copies function, but somehow I can't find the correct values.

I wish to rotate this little red rectangle at 30 degree:

Facts:

• Image is in pixel unit everywhere.
• This bar is roughly 4*10px
• This bar's center point is exactly at x=225, y=4.
• I wish to have 12 copies (technically 12 bars, so 11 copies)
• I wish to have the 6th bar positioned at exactly x=225, y=221.
• There is a guide at 225 on both horizontal and vertical axis

I tried creating 12 copies, but it's not getting rectangular shape:

Not to mention, that origin is pretty weird to reach this result:

How can I do this better?

Answer 1

Instead of using the path-effect, you can try the 'Object → Align and Distribute...' panel switched to the 'Circular' tab.

Just manually make duplicates of your object (or make one clone with Alt + D and duplicate that – exclude the original when arranging), then either add a circle-object to your selection or enter the parameters into the dialog and click 'Arrange'.

The reason why the 'Rotate Copies' path-effect wasn't working correctly is probably because you resized your object in a way that added a transform-attribute.

When you use the scale-handles in select mode on an object that has a filter applied (or just move the object, which is why the origin was acting "weird" too), instead of manipulating the object directly, it sets the new scale as a transform, which influences path-effects as well:

If you scale the object before applying the blur, or use the tool corresponding to the object type (rectangle tool for rectangles, node tool for paths, etc.), you manipulate the object directly and avoid setting a transform.

Answer 2

Use the LPE Rotate Copies effect.

1. Draw a short line using the pen tool, and apply a stroke to it

2. In the Effects Panel, click the + button to add a new Path Effect

3. In the LPE Selector, choose the Rotate Copies LPE

You will get something like this

4. Switch to the Edit Paths by Nodes Tool N

5. Click and drag the centre origin control, holding down Ctrl as you drag will constrain the move vertically

6. In the Path Effects panel, set the number of copies to 12

7. If you want to add a blur, add it in the Fill and Strokes panel

Answer 3

I tried the solution "Align and Distribute...", but Inkscape 1.2 crashed. A very powerful solution is the following way. Install the extension "Simple Inkscape Scripting", see https://inkscape.org/~pakin/%E2%98%85simple-inkscape-scripting

Write a simple program like the following one:

import math
canvas.true_width = 390
canvas.true_height = 390
canvas.viewbox = [0, 0, 390, 390]

x_c = 195
y_c = 195
r_max = 195 
circle((x_c, y_c), r_max, fill='#000000', stroke_width=0)

r = r_max - 14
r_minute = r - 4

for m in range(60):
    if m % 5 != 0:
        w = m * math.pi / 30
        x = x_c + int(cos(w) * r_minute)
        y = y_c + int(sin(w) * r_minute)
        circle((x, y), 2, fill='#ffffff', stroke_width=0)

r1 = r_max - 50
for m in range(12):
    w = m * math.pi / 6
    x1 = x_c + int(cos(w) * r1)
    y1 = y_c + int(sin(w) * r1)
    x2 = x_c + int(cos(w) * r)
    y2 = y_c + int(sin(w) * r)
    line((x1, y1), (x2, y2), stroke='#ffffff', stroke_width=4)

So you have full control. This simple example results in the following watch face: