How to Create Spiral Effects Using Inkscape

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Start Inkscape and have your canvas ready to go.

   Don't worry about the looks, just concentrate on the flow. , You may want to practice for a while on getting a shape until you like its look.
   
   This particular spiral took several attempts.
   
   If it still isn't working right, be sure that you set the shape to 'Triangle In'. , You will see that you have used two effects so far; the spiral spline and the pattern along path. , While 'Spiral Spline' is selected, click on Node Edit (F2) and try moving things around.
   
   If you 'overstep your bounds' you will notice your image doing some interesting things.
   
   Don't worry about that.
   
   You can hit Undo or go with it. , You will see a small triangle.
   
   That is the second effect, Pattern Along Path. , You can edit this using the Path Effect Editor.
   
   Click on the Node Edit button and select the triangle.
   
   Using your cursor keys, move it where you want it.
   
   It is better being closer to your project so that they are all easier to see together. ,, Click on the 'Add a Node'. , If you want a smoother path, click on 'Make Selected Nodes Auto-Smooth'. , Do this by Resetting the drawing mode to Regular Bezier Paths and set Shape: to None. , After you learn more about the process, you can be more deliberate.
   
   Right click or hit Enter to stop. , This path will not need to be seen, so copy it to the clipboard and then delete; (CTRL C and then CTRL X).
   
   To copy to the clipboard, you can also click on the scissors in the toolbar. , You should be on the 'Select and Transfer Objects' (the arrow). , You do this by clicking on it, then click on the notepad icon that you see below it.
   
   This will use your path that you saved onto your clipboard. , You can still edit the path in your clipboard if you want.
   
   Simply click on the Node Edit icon in the Path Effect Editor.
   
   Maybe round it out by using the auto-smooth that was mentioned before.
   
   You could also delete nodes.
   
   Experiment and see what happens. , Using the selector, select your previous work and move it off the canvas.
   
   Alternatively, start another one.
2. 2

   Step 2: Click on the bezier tool icon.

   , Instead of curves, draw straight lines.
   
   Hit Enter to stop. , Apply the effect by clicking on Add. ,, This gives you the rounded look of before.
   
   Using this method, might allow you to have it exactly the way you want it. , Make your star however you want it. , Your pattern needs to be a path, so click on Path >> Object to Path. , Using the scissors, cut it to the clipboard, since it is a pattern. ,,,, Add your pattern to the mix by clicking on the clipboard. , You do this by clicking on the node edit icon on the Path Effect Editor. , You should quickly learn what part of the star will change what part of your spiral path.
   
   Even delete some nodes if you like. ,, Click on Path >> Object to Path. ,, When you click on node edit, you will see a lot of nodes.
   
   If there are just too many, and you won't need them, click on Path >> Simplify.
   
   This will remove the extraneous nodes. , Flip your duplicate horizontally (Object >> Flip Horizontal). , You can move the duplicate around to do what you like. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Set the shape to 'Create Spiral Paths'.

4. 4

   Step 4: Set the Shape: to 'Triangle In'.

5. 5

   Step 5: Click on your canvas and start creating a path.

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   Step 6: End by clicking with the right mouse or hit 'Enter'.

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   Step 7: Select Path >> Path Effect Editor.

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   Step 8: Move things around.

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   Step 9: Look in the very upper left corner of your canvas.

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    Step 10: Move it closer to your project.

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    Step 11: Start changing the shape of your triangle and see how it changes the shape of your project.

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    Step 12: Select the leftmost two of the triangle.

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    Step 13: Select the mode in the middle

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    Step 14: move it

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    Step 15: and watch what happens.

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    Step 16: Use another path as a pattern.

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    Step 17: Draw a random pattern away from the other image.

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    Step 18: Copy to clipboard.

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    Step 19: Select your project.

20. 20

    Step 20: Update the 'Pattern Along Path' in the Path Effect Editor.

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    Step 21: Edit your path on the clipboard.

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    Step 22: Clear your canvas.

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    Step 23: Click on the bezier tool that you used before.

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    Step 24: Draw straight lines.

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    Step 25: Add the Spiral Spline effect manually in the Path Effect Editor.

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    Step 26: Click on the node editor and then select all nodes.

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    Step 27: Auto-smooth the nodes.

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    Step 28: Use a star for a pattern.

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    Step 29: Change it to path.

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    Step 30: Cut it to the clipboard.

31. 31

    Step 31: Select the node editor again

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    Step 32: if you haven't already.

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    Step 33: Select your spiral path (the curved shape you created before).

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    Step 34: Add the Pattern Along Path effect.

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    Step 35: Click on the clipboard.

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    Step 36: Edit the spiral path.

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    Step 37: Start moving things around.

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    Step 38: Paint it black.

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    Step 39: Select the spiral path.

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    Step 40: Click on Node Edit.

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    Step 41: Simplify the path

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    Step 42: if needed.

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    Step 43: Click on the Selector (arrow).

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    Step 44: Look at it and see how you like it.

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    Step 45: Fill the finished design with the coloring that you want.

Detailed Guide

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