Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2013 07:25:22 -0400
From: daniel@yacg.com
To: gimp-user-list@gnome.org
Subject: Re: [Gimp-user] how to draw interrupted lines
I think you can't really do that. But I will write up a little on how
to work with the paths tool to achieve what you want. It was Inkscape
which taught me how to use the paths tool the best, I think, because the
way Inkscape works, it's all lines and paths and the like.
I have to go to work now, but will try to steal a few moments to put
something together for you. I think then it will become much clearer.
But the short answer is "paths tool" and "paint along path."
On 04/03/2013 01:19 PM, 3052192 wrote:
Hi friends,
how can I draw in GIMP freehanded *_curved_*
interrupted lines (dotted; dot-dash-dot; dash-dash;...) ?
To create lines first with a pencil and to use then the rubber
gives uneven and so unsatisfactory results.
Thanks for help!
Konrad
Didn't somebody else ask this same question just yesterday?
First, as mentioned, you will get smoother results if you use a Path because the "Stroke Path" dialog allows you to specify the dash pattern at stroke time. (Note that -- unlike Inkscape -- GIMP has no "freehand path" tool. The closest you get is drawing with the Freehand selector and then converting it to a path, minding that it does not work for self-intersecting paths.)
But if you NEED to paint dashed lines using a freehand paint tool this is actually still possible, it just requires some configuration first...
1 - Create a custom Gradient that represents the dash pattern you want to draw. (Keep in mind that just the same as with stroking a path you can't really do "dots" with this method, only "dashes".)
2 - Create a custom Dynamics set that paints using a gradient (there isn't one in the default package). To do this you need to link "Color" to "Fade" on the Dynamics mapping . (Linking "Angle" to "Direction" also helps if you're painting with a non-round brush.)
3 - Configure your draw tool (pencil, paintbrush, etc.) to use the gradient, the dynamics, and a repeating Fade length (typically sawtooth).
Once you have that, your brush size effectively controls your 'stroke width' and 'cap style' (e.g. a round brush yields round caps) and your fade length controls the overall length of the pattern. Then draw away!
The first two steps aren't exactly easy, so I've attached a few sample files to demonstrate the process.
[I wanted to include a screenshot as well, but that pushed it over the size limits of this mailing list]
-- Stratadrake
strata_ranger@hotmail.com
--------------------
Numbers may not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth.
=
