Inkscape Extension Greyed Out? [How to Fix It]

Inkscape Extension Greyed Out? [How to Fix It]

You can download different extensions that work with Inkscape to give you more options or the ability to work with graphic designs and projects. Now, just because an extension is supposed to work with Inkscape, doesn’t mean it always will.

Extensions will appear greyed out if something is wrong. Some ways you can fix a greyed-out extension are:

  1. Updating Inkscape
  2. Properly unloading all files
  3. Uninstall the extension
  4. Contact Inkscape support

While these extensions can help significantly with your project and your ability to achieve your end result, not being able to use the extensions can be frustrating and impede your ability to finish your project in a timely manner, but you should be able to fix them. 

Fixing Greyed Out Extensions

Now, every software program you can find will have an error or a problem at some point in its use, Inkscape is no different. So, it’s no surprise that any extensions you download that didn’t specifically come with Inkscape, are likely to have problems as well. 

The great thing is, thanks to Inkscape and its users, there are many places you can go to find possible answers and solutions to what your problem is, and how to fix it. 

1. Inkscape Needs To Be Updated

There are specific extensions that only work with certain versions of Inkscape and if you don’t have the correct version or haven’t updated your program, the extensions won’t work well, or at all. 

Most of the time, if you simply update Inkscape you can fix the issue of the extensions being greyed out. You may have another issue if your extension is still greyed out after the update. 

2. Properly Unloading All Files

When you download an extension, in some cases you have to manually unload the files from the zip file for the extension to effectively work with Inkscape. While many people aren’t even aware of the need for the files to be unloaded, others don’t know how to move the files effectively.

Now, most of the time you can simply drag everything from the zip folder into the extension folder, but sometimes you have to do a second step which requires moving everything again into a different folder. 

This depends on the type of extension you downloaded and the instructions that may or may not come with it. The best way to ensure you have an extension that works well with Inkscape and is easy to set up is to download Inkscape-approved extensions. 

3. Uninstall Your Extension

Sometimes, in the process of downloading, something happens to a file or a part of the download and it doesn’t fully download correctly. What this usually looks like on the user’s end is the extension is greyed out, however, nothing changes once you try to fix it. 

This is usually caused by a file in the extension download being corrupted or missing. This can be caused by anything such as:

  • Internet issues during download
  • Computer power issues during download
  • The download link was missing files

The best thing you can do in this situation is to uninstall your extension and all its files, restart your computer and try the download again. If you use the same link and the problem happens again, you may have to find a different place to download the extension from. 

If you end up still having issues, you may have an internet connectivity issue that is causing your files to not fully download. 

4. Contact Inkscape Support

Usually, your first, or last, method of trying to fix a problem is by going through Inkscape customer support. No matter at what point you choose to contact the support, they will most likely put you through a list of troubleshooting options. 

Some things they may suggest for you to do are:

  • Restart your computer
  • Restart Inkscape
  • Uninstall Inkscape and redownload it
  • Uninstall your extension and redownload it

Once you go through those troubleshooting options, they may be able to help you further with your extension, but only if it was something made by Inkscape and the company specifically, otherwise they may not know enough about it to help. 

Final Thoughts

Your Inkscape extension is helpful and necessary to complete certain design projects, so when it doesn’t work, it’s frustrating. Most people report the extension as being greyed out until they do a list of troubleshooting options. 

Whether it’s internet issues, incomplete downloads, or file issues, there is most likely a way to fix your greyed-out extension. Once you get it fixed, you’ll be more prepared if it ever happens again and your project can be completed. 

Can You Change DPI in Canva?

So, you’ve just finished your design in Canva, and the print came out all blurry and pixelated. This is typically an issue that is solved by changing the DPI, but can it be done in Canva?

The DPI of JPG and PNG files that are downloaded from Canva are set to a standard size and cannot be changed. The best way to get a higher DPI on Canva is to download files as “PDF Print.” However, this is not a solution for files with a transparent background.

Nobody wants to see a blurry image come out of the printer, especially when you’ve spent so much time perfecting the design. Below, you’ll find out if you can download images with a print-friendly DPI, and what your best options may be.

Can You Change DPI in Canva?

Design programs like Canva and Placeit are great tools for designers looking to create high quality designs without having to pay a premium price for large software packages. But this can sometimes come at a cost.

While the design you’ve created my look great on the screen, it can oftentimes produce a low-quality print. This is because the DPI of the file is lower than print recommendations.

The simple solution is to change the DPI of the file. However, this is easier said than done.

Unfortunately, the DPI cannot be changed in Canva. All downloads from Canva are set at a standard size. Therefore, even if you upload a high-quality image, once it is added to a design in Canva and downloaded as a JPG or PNG, the DPI of that file will change to Canva’s standard.

What is the Standard DPI in Canva?

If you’re downloading your designs as a JPG or PNG from Canva, you can expect a standard DPI of 96. Generally, this is considered low and is only used for online images.

To get a higher DPI from Canva, you would need to download your image as a “Print PDF.” Though a PDF file won’t have a DPI value because it is a vector-based file, the file is generally similar in size to the original file and produces high-quality images. This makes it ideal for printing.

Why Is DPI Important?

DPI is only important for those who are looking to print their creations. If you are creating an image or logo that will be used strictly online, then the DPI of your image really isn’t going to make a difference. In fact, you would actually be more concerned with the PPI (pixels per inch).

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. This is the number of printed dots that are in one inch of a printed image. Essentially, the DPI helps determine the print size of an image. 

What Is the Best Way to Download High DPI Images from Canva?

If you would like to download your design from Canva for print, it’s going to take a few more steps than simply exporting it as a JPG or PNG.

The easiest solution is to download as “PDF Print,” then use an image converter to change the file from a PDF to a JPG or PNG file. However, this won’t work for images with transparent backgrounds. Here a several options you could use to convert your file:

It’s also good to keep in mind that PDF files are generally larger in size because they are higher in quality.

Downloading High-Quality Images without Increasing DPI

Another way to ensure a high-quality print is to increase the file size of your design. This is the best option for those who are looking to download a high-quality image with a transparent background. Currently the maximum dimensions on Canva are 8000 x 3125 px (pixels).

Though the download will still have a 96 DPI, the size of the image is still larger. When uploaded to a printing service like Printify, the DPI will be high because your design is larger than the size that needs to be printed.

However, this only works with products that are much smaller than 83 x 32 inches. Same size or larger images are going to appear blurry.

How Can You Check the DPI of an Image?

If you aren’t sure what the DPI of an image is, the best way to find out is to check the file’s properties.

To do this, first locate the file in your file management application. Then, open the menu that shows you the details of the file. In Windows, this would be the Properties tab; on a Mac, this is the Show Inspector in the Tools menu. You should then see a list of properties for your image.

Should You Create Print Designs Using Canva?

If you’re an avid Canva user for digital designs, you are probably familiar with how helpful the application can be. However, you may be wondering if Canva is the best tool for creating print designs.  

As a general rule, 300 DPI is the minimum size for printing an image. Any lower and the image will appear pixelated and blurred.

While Canva’s “Print PDF” file option is designed for those designs that are meant to be printed, this option wont work for everyone. If your design requires a transparent background, such as those for T-shirts, mugs, and logos, then the “PDF Print” isn’t going to work.

However, if you are creating items like book covers, brochures, posters, or other products that have a solid background, then Canva is a great option for creating print designs.

Final Thoughts

Canva is one of those tools that has quickly become a favorite of designers of all levels. However, if you’re mainly using it for digital creations, it can come as a bit of a shock when your prints don’t come out the way you intended.

Remember to always check the DPI of a file before sending it to print so that you don’t end up with blurry images. And if you’re downloading a design from Canva, PDF Print is best.

Does Loupedeck Work with Affinity Photo?

If you’re a photographer looking for an efficient way to edit your photos, you may have heard of Loupedeck and Affinity Photo. Loupedeck is a customizable console and Affinity Photo is a photo editing application. So, you may be wondering if Loupedeck works with Affinity Photo.

Loupedeck is not supported by Affinity Photo. Loupedeck supports other photo editing applications with default and custom profiles, but Affinity Photo is not supported. So, for any photo editing needs, choose something other than Affinity Photo to use with Loupedeck.

In this blog post, we will discuss Loupedeck and Affinity Photo. Keep reading to learn how the Loupedeck can help photographers edit their photos more efficiently.

Can Loupedeck Support Affinity Photo?

Loupedeck can’t support Affinity Photo because Affinity Photo isn’t built to work with Loupedeck. Loupedeck is only compatible with a few specific photo editing applications that have default or custom profiles.

What Is Loupedeck?

Loupedeck is a custom editing console that hooks up to your computer. It is similar to a keyboard but instead of the QWERTY keyboard there are knobs and buttons to streamline the editing process.

You can create a custom workflow for each of the applications that are compatible with Loupedeck.

Loupedecks are pretty pricey for the actual product you get, but it can be worth it if it saves you time and creates less headaches overall.

What Is Affinity Photo?

Affinity Photo is a photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop. It helps raster graphics and edits photos as you need. This software is comparable to Photoshop, as allows you to make changes as you would in Photoshop, but with a much lower cost.

If you’re interested in using Loupedeck with other photo editing applications, that is possible, but Affinity Photo is not currently one of them.

What Applications Are Supported by Loupedeck?

There are quite a few applications that are supported by Loupedeck. These may be of interest to you since you can’t use Affinity Photo, but you can use similar software.

The following is a list of applications supported by Loupedeck:

  • Apple Logic Pro
  • Autodesk
  • Avid
  • Audacity
  • After Effects
  • Final Cut
  • Adobe apps
  • Blender
  • Figma
  • Garageband
  • Microsoft apps
  • Various internet browsers

You can find these applications supported by default or custom profiles. A custom profile just requires a few more steps to set up.

Is Loupedeck Worth It for Photo Editing?

Loupedeck is worth the price for creating your custom workflows and editing photos. Loupedeck is a great custom workflow console, and it is leading the charge in this area.

It streamlines the editing experience and makes the process much more efficient. It can also make photo editing much more fun when you create an enjoyable workflow.

For Affinity Photo users, however, it may not be worth it since the software isn’t supported.

If you use other software that is compatible with Loupedeck, then it is worth the purchase.

Does Loupedeck Work with Photoshop?

Loupedeck does work with Adobe Photoshop along with a few other Adobe products. It is great to be integrated to work with photoshop so you can easily customize your Loupedeck to your photo editing needs.

Loupedeck will work with the following Adobe Suite applications:

  • Photoshop
  • Lightroom
  • Premiere Pro
  • Illustrator
  • Audition

Is Loupedeck Support for Affinity Photo Coming Soon?

Some may claim that support for Affinity Photo is coming soon for Loupedeck. But it is hard to know since the company has not made any specific claims one way or the other. Loupedeck is thought to have supported Affinity Photo as a custom profile at one point for their devices, but it does not support Affinity Photo currently.

And it does appear at one point both Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer were supported by Loupedeck, because there are broken links available in chat forums about Affinity Photo support. But that is no longer true.

Maybe support for these applications will come back in the future but it is hard to say for sure. Affinity Photo is a competing company for Adobe Photoshop and Loupedeck currently supports them.

In Summary: Affinity Photo Does Not Work with Loupedeck

In conclusion, while Affinity Photo isn’t currently supported by Loupedeck, the customizability and efficiency that Loupedeck offers may be worth the purchase for users of other software.

Affinity Photo users may want to wait until support is added before deciding to buy. However, since Loupedeck already supports Adobe apps, a leading competitor, you may not see Affinity Photo ever supported by Loupedeck.

Do DPI Converters Really Work?

Changing DPI, or Dots Per Inch, on a photo could be hard for a few folks. Using different converters for format change is the way to go! Some are simple plug-and-click applications that have no frills. In contrast, others are intricate programs that allow several types of photo editing. So, do DPI converters really work?

Changing DPI with a DPI Converter is definitely worth it if you do not have access to a photo editing software with DPI changing capabilities.

People understand that DPI is the amount of the pixels in the photo, but when it comes to resizing for use, they could run into several issues they didn’t expect. So read on and learn everything you need to know about DPI converters and if they work.

How do DPI Converters work?

Dots Per Inch doesn’t have any impact on the resolution of photos. You are changing the number of pixels used to render the image. People are most worried about the resolution or how the picture looks. If your page has blurry images or photos that are not the correct size, people won’t get your message or enjoy your family photos.

The way that DPI converters work are:

  • Image – The first thing you should do is upload the image to whatever app, we will get to that, you are using. The picture should be clear and crisp, as DPI does not impact resolution or size. During the uploading, you will be led into the next stage of the process, Parameters.
  • Parameters – The most crucial part of the process is setting your parameters. A parameter is a rule the image must abide by during conversion. You can pick the size of the DPI image. Pay close attention, as setting the parameter incorrectly will ruin your print job.
  • Click – Some converters are so easy that once you have your DPI parameters set, you just need to click the start button. The application will only take a couple of seconds to process, and once it does, you can move on to download.
  • Downloading – The last step is often a download. Once your image is done, a window will pop up that asks for a landing destination. Choose a spot you will remember when downloading, as losing the file could be a significant headache.

Once your image is ready for print, it will have a crisp image when it hits the page. However, printing and viewing images should not be confused. The printing process requires ink on the page, and if your photo isn’t converted to the correct DPI, it will be a small image or so blurry you won’t be able to see it.

Apps to Convert DPI

Choosing apps to convert to DPI is an important process. If you select one with no-frills, it could not present a clear image. On the other hand, if there is another option that professionals use, the interface could be challenging to learn or take hours to master.

1. Online DPI Converter is a Great Option for all Skills

Online DPI Converter is an excellent place for people looking to convert their image files to a specific DPI. The site is straightforward enough for people with decent computer skills to navigate. However, the site does collect your information which could lead to tons of marketing and unwanted emails.

The steps for using the Online DPI Converter are:

  1. Add the Image – Choose the image you want to decode from your desktop. You can drag it into the box at the top of the screen, and it will upload. You can also choose the old-fashioned route by selecting its destination from the drop-down menus.
  2. Set Size – Next, you can choose the size you would like the image decoded. They have several to choose from, and checking to see if you have the correct size could take a few attempts.
  3. Click Convert – Now that all your sizes are set, you just have to click convert. Once the button is clicked, the download bar will appear. The file will appear in the chosen destination and be ready for you to use.

Some of the best converter apps work the easiest because they save you time. Time saved on projects equals more time on other jobs. More jobs mean more money and success for you or your business.

2. Convert Town has an Easy to Use DPI Converter.

One of the most simple converters out there is at Convert Town. The website is sparse, with only a description of the metadata process and how it applies to the application. Sites that are this simple are hard to mess up. Lean into easy fixes when you are in a rush.

The steps to use the Convert Town DPI Converter are:

  1. Choose Size – The size is the first option to choose with this converter. Remember to check with your printer or the client to choose the needed size. Conversions this simple only can be run a few times but make sure to do it right the first time.
  2. Click the Button – A big green button beneath the scale will have a command populated on the inside. Click it, and the download box will appear. Once the box disappears, the image will be in the chosen spot.

Convert Town is another easy-to-use site that makes converting a snap. You get the image decoded to the size and DPI you need, and you will also get a brisk but in-depth description of how DPIs work.

Conclusion

DPI converters work well for changing the dots per inch in the images on your computer. Often when images are moved from the internet, the file will need to be changed in order to print correctly or display on a screen.

Always ensure that you have parameters set and all your images sized before decoding. While the sites are a breeze to use, you must understand that having multiple files will make your selection process much harder when it comes time to publish.

Can a File’s DPI Be Too High? [Here’s the Answer]

You want your images to have a high resolution, is it possible for the DPI of a file to be too high? It’s crucial to take what you have on-screen and have it look excellent in the printed form, whether on paper or another object. Let’s learn about DPI and its importance.

It is possible for a file’s DPI to be too high, but the limitation is with the printer itself not being able to print that high DPI. In most cases, if the DPI is too high for the specific printer, the DPI will be automatically changed to the maximum DPI of the printer itself, which is typically 300 DPI.

If the DPI is too high it will not print appropriately because there are limitations to what the printer is capable of printing. So, how do you know if the file’s DPI is too high? Is it possible to adjust the DPI so it is printable? We will explore these questions and more in this post.

Does the Size of the Print Affect the DPI?

The DPI of a printed file is affected by the size of the print. Smaller images can have a higher DPI while larger images can have a smaller DPI. This is due to where the viewer is in relation to the printed image.

If you are looking at a printed photograph the DPI will be much higher than it will be if you are looking at a billboard. When looking at an image at a distance the dots of color per inch do not need to be so close together.

It’s similar to viewing Monet’s paintings. These famous artworks are meant to be viewed from a distance. Up close the paintings do not look defined, they look fuzzy and pixelated.  

How Do You Know if DPI is Too High?

Most printers are capable of printing 300 DPI maximum. If the DPI of the file is too high for the printer, the printer will automatically convert the file to match the printers maximum capabilities. It is best to produce and save the file with a maximum 300 DPI to get an idea of the quality of the printed version.

How Do I Find The DPI of The Image I Want to Print?

The DPI of an image can be found by looking at the image information. This can be done on both Apple and Windows computers with slight variations in the instructions.

 For Apple computers:

  1. Double-Click the image
  2. Select “Tools”
  3. Select “Adjust Size”
  4. Find “Resolution”

For Windows computers:

  1. Right-Click the image
  2. Select “Properties”
  3. Find “Summary”

How Do I Adjust the DPI of an Image?

The DPI of an image can be adjusted from your computer.  You could also choose a website with dots per inch or a DPI converter. By uploading the image and selecting the information in the options the correct sizing can be obtained.

Because there are limitations to the DPI a printer is capable of, many professional services require you to resize the image you wish to print.

For Apple computers:

  1. Double-Click the image
  2. Select “Tools”
  3. Select “Adjust Size”
  4. Change “Resolution” to desired DPI
  5. Select “Save”

For Windows computers:

  1. Right-Click your image
  2. Under preview, choose “Edit”
  3. Then choose “Resize”

A box titled “resize and skew” will appear. Then all you need to do is fill in the prompt boxes accordingly to adjust the size of your image.

The DPI of a File Can Be Too High

DPI is simply the dots per square inch of a file, typically an image. DPI is the same as PPI or pixels per inch of an image file. The larger the printing will be of an image, the smaller the DPI can be since it is to be viewed from a greater distance. DPI can be changed on both Apple and Windows computers without the need for any additional software.

How Much DPI Should You Use for Large Posters?

Designers working on different marketing materials have to scale an image to support a variety of size outputs without compromising the image’s resolution. The resolution is affected by the DPI or dots per inch that make up the image when printed. Commercial printers will give designers recommendations on resolution and scale to get their desired outcome.

For a large poster, it’s recommended to have 300 DPI, however as low as 72 DPI is still acceptable. Most designing programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign will be able to save your file in 300 DPI before sending to print.

Let’s look at some factors to look out for when designing large-scale prints and which file formats are preferred for printing these images. Keep reading for some printer recommendations and a reference guide for size and resolution.

What to Look Out for in Your Image Before Printing

Working on a large-scale image for a poster in a design program that requires you to scale the image down to edit it gives you a warped view of the overall quality of the image. The poster may look perfect when scaled down but may have some issues when scaled back to its intended size.

Pixelated Edges and Noise

The primary thing you want to look out for is pixelated edges and noise. Noise means any variation of color or brightness within an image, and even high-resolution images can be affected by noise. For example, a light blue sky can appear splotchy in places when printed at the large scale required.

The solution to cleaning up the noise in the image is locating the areas, zooming in, and then blurring out the noise. The same method can be used to fix pixelated edges.

Color Mode

Before sending your image to be printed, you always want to ensure that the color mode for your image matches the color mode the printers will use to print your image. If not, you could end up with a poster with variations in color as the ink jet printer will use its standard color mode to match the color mode of your image.

Printers use the CMYK color mode, and monitors display RGB. The color mode depends on what you want to do with your image, and certain design programs have a default color mode that may need to be changed to suit your needs. If you’re putting the image on the web, then RGB color mode is the way to go, but if you’re printing the image, set the color mode to CMYK.

What File Format Should You Use to Print Your Poster?

File formats may seem like a no-brainer, but certain file formats could delay your product. File formats like .eps, .psd, .bmp, .doc, etc. require manual submission with some printers and extra processing time.

The most common file formats to use when sending your image to be printed are .jpg, .pdf, and .tif. You should always double-check with your printers to ensure those file formats are accepted.

File formats aren’t the only factor you should be concerned about before sending your image to be printed. Size, resolution, and proportions (aspect ratios) ensure your image is printed at the desired quality and scale.

What Size and Aspect Ratio Do You Use for Your Poster?

The size and aspect ratio depend on your poster’s desired output size. Take your desired output size and divide both sides by 4 to get your needed original file size. Your submission file size will be affected if you want a high-quality image at 300 DPI.

Original File Pixel Dimensions300 DPI Document SizeDesired Final Output Size
2700 x 36004.5″ x 6″18″ x 24″
3600 x 54006″ x 9″24″ x 36″
5400 x 72009″ x 12″36″ x 48″
7200 x 1080012″ x 18″48″ x 72″
7200 x 1500012″ x 25″48″ x 100″

If the desired DPI is 300, the rule of thumb is to do 25% of the desired final output size. If you use the same formula for aspect ratio, you will get the correct document size for 300 DPI.

Conclusion

When working with large-scale images for marketing materials like posters, it can be confusing to know how to prepare your document in the best way for your printers to get the desired finished product. Now you know what factors to double-check, what file formats are best, and the correct size and proportions for high-quality resolution.

How to Change the Default Image Size in Photoshop

Sometimes, Photoshop’s default image size doesn’t suit your work. This is important because image size can significantly affect resolution and overall image clarity as well as how the image is printed or uploaded elsewhere. While there is no way to permanently alter your Photoshop default image sizes to affect all future images you can alter individual image default dimensions.

In this article, we will show you how to change your default image size in Photoshop using the methods listed above. Some of these methods will work better than others, depending on your needs.

How to Alter Image Size in Photoshop

The easiest way to change your default image size in Photoshop is to utilize the program’s “image size” menu, where you can customize dimensions and other settings.

To access the image size menu and alter image sizing, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Open the “Image” menu listed at the top of the program
  2. Select the “Image Size” menu option
  3. Click the chain link next to the “width” and “height” boxes to unlock and alter them
  4. Enter your preferred image dimensions into the “width” and “height” boxes
  5. Check the “Image Size” section to ensure it matches your needs
  6. Click “Ok” to save your changes

This will resize whichever image you’ve uploaded to Photoshop. However, because image sizes are specific to each file, these dimensions will only affect the image currently uploaded. It will not force future images on new Photoshop layers or documents to conform to these dimensions as a universal default.

Once you’ve altered the image’s dimensions, you can utilize other settings on this page, such as the “resample” setting, which will adjust the number of pixels within the image proportionally to ensure the ideal resolution.

How to Alter Image Metrics in Photoshop

An important note to keep in mind when altering your image’s size in this menu is metric. Pixels is typically the most accurate option for images and will most likely be the default, but you can opt to have your image dimensions measured in percentage, centimeters, or inches.

To do this for an individual image, you can open the dropdown metrics menu within the “image size” menu mentioned previously and choose your ideal metric.

If you want to set a default metric for all future images, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Open the “Edit” menu listed at the top of the program
  2. Open the “Preferences” menu
  3. Select the “Units & Rulers” option
  4. Set the units to your desired scale
  5. Click “Ok”

If you want, this is also where you can set a default image print and screen resolution as well as column size and point/pica size.

Tips for Resizing Photoshop Images

Altering your Photoshop image’s dimensions is a fairly simple process with the help of the “Image Size” menu. However, you might find this is a bit more complex than simply altering numbers if you are attempting to resize your Photoshop image to meet specific measurements and resolutions.

If this is the case for you, and you need the highest quality image possible for print, future, edits, exportation/importation, etc. then you’ll want to keep these tips in mind.

  1. Use the right metrics for your medium
  2. Keep resample on for faster and more accurate alterations
  3. Try the classic drag and drop method

Below, we’ve expanded on these tips a bit more so you know exactly what to look out for and how to apply these to your everyday Photoshop sessions.

Check Your Metrics

Pixels might be one of the most accurate metrics available on Photoshop for the sake of resolution, but it isn’t the best for all image scenarios.

Most digital artists, photographers, and graphic designers who use Photoshop regularly will tell you that you should stick to pixels for images you intend to use online, while inches or centimeters should be the default images you intend to print.

While you can convert the measurements back and forth (ex 6”x4” is equivalent to 1200px x 1800 px) it is best to stick with the metrics most commonly used for your media type for the sake of image clarity. Oftentimes, sticking to pixels for an image you intend to print will result in a warped or grainy image.

Comparatively, an image measured in inches or centimeters that is used online might not respond well on devices with varying screen sizes, again, resulting in blurry or disproportionate visuals.

Keep Resample On

A lot of experienced Photoshop users understand the necessity of keeping the resample setting on since it is crucial for keeping image dimensions proportional.

Turning off the resample setting in your “image size” menu will allow you to manually enter your preferred measurement into each box and, while this can be helpful if you have specific measurements in mind, this does not always result in the clearest overall image.

By keeping the resample setting on, you can enter your preferred dimension for one metrics and see all of the other measurements change to accommodate it. The result is a quick and efficient tactic for resizing images without sacrificing clarity.

The Drag and Drop Method

Altering your Photoshop image’s size in the “image size” menu is the easiest and most efficient way to resize images on this program, by far. However, if you’ve been using Photoshop for several years, you might know the classic drag and drop method, which is a viable alternative resizing option.

To use this method, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Select the “File” menu option and then “New” to create a new document
  2. Alter your metrics to the ideal unit
  3. Enter your ideal width, height, and resolution measurements
  4. Click “Ok”
  5. Upload and drag your preferred image onto the new document

Once your image is on the document, you can drag and alter it to fit the preferred size rather than altering the image’s specific dimensions.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to quickly and proportionally alter your Photoshop image’s default size, you should be able to alter any image without sacrificing its overall clarity. Remember that the size of your Photoshop image is affected by the pixel dimensions of your image and the size and resolution settings of your monitor, so you’ll want to know your equipment’s measurements as well as what measurements you need for the image before attempting to resize it.

How Long Does Wireframing a Design Take?

Before you have a final product of your graphic design project, you are going to want a rough draft, also called a wireframe. A wireframe is basically a loose vision of what the final product is going to look like. But how long does it take to do this?

Depending on how detailed you want your wireframing to be, it can take anywhere from 12 hours to 3 days to fully wireframe a design. This also depends on how skilled and fluent you are in the programs and terminology you are working with.

No matter how long your wireframing takes, you have to ensure you still have enough time to produce wording and explanation for whomever you are presenting or promoting your product to. It’s assumed to be better to leave a few details out of your wireframe to ensure you have plenty of explanation and conversation content. 

Wireframing And What It Takes

There are many different ideas, views, and right ways to complete wireframe.

They usually depend on several different variables ranging from things such as:

  • Why do you need the wireframe?
  • Who’s going to see it?
  • What is the purpose of the wireframe?

Once you fully figure out the answers to that kind of question you can start to figure out how detailed and how long your wireframing will take.

Deciding Fidelity

When you are trying to figure out how you want your design to look at the end of the wireframing process, you have to figure out what the wireframes’ fidelity is going to be. Fidelity is the amount of visual detail that gets added during the framing process.

When trying to figure out and work through the fidelity of your wireframing, you should think about certain things such as:

  • Adding legitimate content to your wireframe
  • End goal button and image placement 
  • Proper dimensions and spacing
  • Legitimate font type and size
  • Color schemes and themes

While all of these things are elements you want on your final product, some people choose to not put them on the wireframe to save time before they can promote or give a presentation on it. This also helps to keep your idea more individual and lowers the risk of someone else taking it from you while you are promoting it.

Level Of Fidelity

Now, deciding on how much or what level of fidelity you need, you have to figure out what environments and groups you are going to be promoting your framing too. 

If you are presenting to a company or organization that likes things polished and basically ready, your wireframing needs to be as detailed as possible whereas if you are presenting to someone who is looking to invest and just wants a rough sketch, you can leave specific details out. 

Questions you need to as yourself when trying to decide on your level of fidelity are:

  • How far are you into the project?
  • What are people expecting to see?
  • How much can you get done?
  • What organizations or companies are going to see this?
  • Do you have any guidelines you are following from anyone?

Now, let’s define different levels of fidelity in wireframing designs below.

Fidelity Levels Defined

While there are ranges in every fidelity level, there is a general expectation within certain fidelity levels of what it needs to contain and what needs to be left out. 

Here are each of them:

  • Low fidelity shows the concept and general placement but no specific details or content
  • Mid fidelity shows the importance of certain elements while including some details and content
  • High fidelity can include larger amount of content and detail with also being legitimate representation of a final product

No matter who you are presenting to, chances are, they have an expectation of what they will learn from your wireframe. You want whoever you are presenting your idea to, to walk away knowing the purpose and the end goal without having to ask too many questions or do too much research on their own. 

Your fidelity level essentially ranges from a general concept of what something could look like, to a flushed-out idea that can be made a reality rather quickly.

Final Thoughts

Wireframing is a great way to promote or present your vision or plan without giving away all of the details and content. This allows you to work at more of a steady pace versus having everything ready every time you have a meeting. 

Wireframing can take a long time if you want to include a lot of detail and fully flush out the project idea, or it can be thrown together rather quickly if you just want someone to have a general idea of what the end goal could look like. 

Can You Use Inkscape for Commercial Use?

Inkscape is among the best vector image editing software available online. Better yet, it’s free. Still, being open-source, it’s not uncommon to have concerns over whether or not your projects can be used for commercial reasons. So, can you use Inkscape for commercial use?

Yes, Inkscape can be used for commercial purposes, however, there are a few things you should keep in mind. You can’t use someone else’s design as a part of yours without express permission, and you’ll also want to make sure any fonts you use are properly licensed.

If you’re looking to create professional projects in Inkscape that can be used for commercial purposes, but you’re not sure of the legality around it, this is for you. In our guide below, we will break down everything from whether Inkscape itself can be used for commercial reasons to its fonts and how they can intersect with copyright. So with that, let’s dive right into it!

Is Inkscape Itself Allowed to Be Used for Commercial Reasons?

We mentioned that projects created in Inkscape can be used for commercial purposes. But what about the program itself? Can it be distributed to a team and used for commercial reasons?

Inkscape itself is allowed to be used for commercial purposes as long the following requirements are met:

  • Modifications must be made publicly available: If any modifications are made to the program they must also be made publicly available in accordance with the open-source nature of the program. 
  • License must be included with its distribution: When distributing Inkscape to a team, you must also provide everyone with the license as well. You have to do this regardless of whether or not modifications were made.

As long as you have made your modifications publicly available (if you made any) and you include the license, Inkscape itself is free to use in a commercial setting. In the next section we will dive into more detail on what the license is for Inkscape and the broad strokes of what all it entails.

What License Does Inkscape Use?

To better understand how Inkscape can be used commercially, it would be beneficial to take a look at their licensing agreement.

Inkscape uses a GNU General Public License. This license is what allows Inkscape to be free to the public and free to share.

Are All Fonts on Inkscape Commercial Use?

Now that we’ve looked at individual projects as well as the program itself, it’s time to turn our attention to the fonts you use within it. So, are all fonts on Inkscape available for commercial use or do you need special licensing to use some of them?

Though many of them are, not all of the fonts on Inkscape will necessarily be available for commercial use without special licensing due to copyright. That is because Inkscape simply takes advantage of the fonts you already have installed on your computer or those you add later.

How to Tell if a Font is Okay for Commercial Use 

If some fonts on your computer may be fine to use for commercial purposes while others are not, you’re probably wondering how to distinguish them. How exactly do you tell if a font is okay for commercial use? Especially if you downloaded it a while ago and may not be able to remember where you got it.

The tips below will help you to check any font on your computer for copyright so you can know whether or not it is okay for commercial use:

  • Check the font site you got the font from: This one only works if you remember which sites you got which fonts from. If you’re like a lot of us, you probably have a reliable site you go to more often than others. On the site it should tell you if the font is copyrighted or licensed.
  • Google the font name: Sometimes, the fastest way to find out if a font is copyrighted is to just punch it into Google and see what comes up. Make sure you check the font on a reputable website like Dafont, however, as there are less than reputable sites hawking fake font names. If nothing comes up, try our next step.
  • Take a look at the font zip folder: The final method doesn’t require the internet or even knowing where the font came from. With this you simply need to find the zip folder the font came in when you downloaded it. Then check for a document within that says the font name followed by “license txt.” This should have any information on copyright.

At the end of the day, you should be able to figure out whether a font is protected or open-source in a relatively short time. Whether it’s through a simple Google search or checking out the text files within the zip folder for the font, it should only take minutes.

Do Professionals Use Inkscape?

Just because Inkscape can be used for professional, commercial use doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. So let’s take a look at the pros to see if they really use it.

Professionals use Inkscape all the time. Not just because it cuts down on production costs but also because it is one of the best vector image editing software out there.

Conclusion

The bottom line is, you absolutely can use Inkscape for commercial use. That includes not only projects you make within Inkscape but with the program itself. That’s because the GNU General Public License allows for the program to be freely shared (though you do have to provide the license if you share it) and for the contents created within it to belong to their creators.

There are some important caveats here, however. You can’t use someone else’s design as a part of yours without getting permission from them. Further, because Inkscape just uses the fonts you have downloaded onto your computer, you will need to make sure they are copyright free as well. With a little due diligence you can get your commercial project underway in no time!

Does Inkscape Have a Magic Wand Tool?

If you are switching over to Inkscape from another program, you may be wondering if it has some of the tools you are accustomed to using. Does Inkscape have a magic wand tool, or is there another way to select objects within a graphic?

Inkscape does not have a magic wand or equivalent tool for selecting pixels like the one found in Adobe Photoshop. However, similar to Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape does have a selector tool that allows users to select and alter objects.

When switching from one graphic design program to another, it can be a bit confusing to learn all of the new tools and functions. This especially frustrating if you’re used to doing things a certain way and can’t find the tool to do it. Keep reading for more information on why Inkscape doesn’t have a magic wand tool, and what you can use instead.

Does Inkscape Have a Magic Wand Tool?

If you’ve played around in Photoshop or GIMP, you may have made use of the magic wand tool. This is a helpful tool for selecting areas within a raster image so that you can make alterations within that selection.

Unfortunately, Inkscape does not have a magic wand tool or anything equivalent. In fact, if you wanted to make image edits that are typically done using a magic wand tool, you may want to switch over to a raster image editor instead.  

Why Doesn’t Inkscape Have a Magic Wand Tool?

If you’ve used adobe Illustrator and you’re switching to Inkscape, you may have noticed that the program also has a magic wand tool like the one found in Photoshop. If that’s the case, why doesn’t Inkscape have one?

Well, the magic wand tool in Illustrator is, in fact, nothing like the one in Photoshop. This is because one application is designed for editing raster graphics and the other is for vector graphics.

Raster vs. Vector

The primary distinction between vector and raster graphics is that raster graphics are made up of pixels, whereas vector graphics are made up of paths. Both Illustrator and Inkscape are vector editing applications. While Photoshop works with raster images.

So, though Illustrator may have a magic wand tool, it is nothing like the one found in Photoshop. Instead, this tool is use more for selecting objects that have similar properties, including:

  • Color
  • Stroke
  • Opacity
  • Blend

If you would like to make any raster images edits, such as deleting the fill of an object, this would need to be done in a raster editing application.

Is There a Tool Equivalent to the Illustrator Magic Wand in Inkscape?

If the magic wand tool in Illustrator is used for selecting like objects, you may be wondering if there is an equivalent tool in Inkscape.

Inkscape allows users to select objects that have the same properties by using the “Select Same” feature. This can be found in the Edit menu at the top of the screen.

You could also select objects individually by using the selector tool and clicking on the object. To select multiple objects, simply hold the shift key on you keyboard while clicking on objects. Press the Esc key when you are done making edits to deselect everything.

Using a Clipped Group

Grouping objects is another way to move objects in a way that mimics the magic wand tool. To combine different objects into a group simply select the objects you would like to group, then press the Ctrl key and the G key at the same time.

Once in a group, all of the objects will behave as a single unit. This means that they will move or transform at the same time, regardless of which one you alter.

Can You Remove the Background of an Image in Inkscape?

One of the most popular uses of the magic wand tool in raster image editing software is to remove the background of an image. For example, what if you are creating product mockups on a site like Placeit, and you need your vector image to have a transparent background? Can this be done in Inkscape?

Though there isn’t a magic wand tool, the background of an image can still be removed in Inkscape. This is done by using Trace Bitmap, which is found in the Path menu.

Final Thoughts

Having a magic wand tool can be a helpful when working with image editing software, but it isn’t the only solution. Though Inkscape doesn’t have a magic wand tool, there are many other ways to edit any image to get the results you are looking for.