Inkscape

can symbols or "clip-arts" be created and stored in a "library"?

Asked by j.neumann

Hi,

I have a set of symbols I use regularly. Instead of having to draw them over and over when I have to use them, I'd like to be able to strore them (perhaps in a file or like a clip art?) and pull them out as needed. Is this possible?

Thanks in advance.

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Guillermo Espertino (Gez)
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Best Guillermo Espertino (Gez) (gespertino-gmail) said : 		#1

That's not possible at the moment, but you can import any SVG file just dragging it from your file manager to the canvas.
You can place those imported objects in a separate layer or out of the artwork area,
Then you can work with clones of the original object instead of copies (using alt+d), so you can edit the original later and every clone you made will reflect the changes of the original.
But unfortunately that doesn't address the true utility of a symbols library (being able to edit the original library file and every document with placed symbols will show the modified symbols).

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j.neumann (neumann-jaeckli) said : 		#2

Thanks for your answer. I will work with the clones.

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Guillermo Espertino (Gez) (gespertino-gmail) said : 		#3

Forgot to mention:
You can create a custom template with your symbols.
You just have to save an empty document with your symbols in the templates folder (it's location depends on the OS you're using inkscape on).
Doing that you'll get your template under the "new" rollout, and you'll be able to start a new document with your symbols at hand to clone them.