10

I am trying to put simple arrows along a path.

What I have done so far: using the Bezier tool, I created a straight line and made the endmarker into an arrowhead. Next, I used the Path effect editor to put the arrow along the path and using the "repeated" option, I obtained multiple arrows along the path.

It works wonderfully except for the fact that only the arrowheads appear along the path. For some reason the line attached to the arrowhead disappears. How can I fix this?

1 Answer 1

9

I'm not sure why only the arrowheads appear along the path, but I have found a workaround, which is to convert your arrow into a filled path, which is a simpler type of object than a stroked line with a marker.

First, select your arrow and click Path > Stroke to Path, which will convert your arrow into a group of two objects (the line and the arrowhead), which is 90% of what you need to do. However, sometimes this conversion is a little messed up (see image below, where the line is extending too far to the right, and poking out the front of the arrowhead).

Converted arrow has the line poking out the right side of the arrowhead

To fix this, use the node tool (F2) and select the arrow shaft, and you should see the nodes appear for editing. Select the nodes on the right side of the line where it's poking out on the right side of the arrowhead, and use your left arrow key () to move the nodes back into the body of the arrowhead.

Use node tool to move line end back inside arrowhead

Now we want to merge these two objects into one composite object. Select the group of 2 objects and ungroup them (Object > Ungroup). Then perform a Union operation (Path > Union) to merge the two objects together. You should be able to use the node tool (F2) to confirm that this is now a single object:

Two paths merged into one path

Now you should be able to use the Path Effect Editor to put this object along the path. Then use the fill and stroke dialog to style the arrows along the path.

enter image description here

0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.