Inkscape Wiki - User contributions [en]

VectorSection

2008-10-12T17:08:34Z

EricWilhelm: update vectorsection link

[http://vectorsection.org/ [[VectorSection]] project page]

VectorSection is an open-source collection of programs which form a universal vector-graphics translation system. By using hubs to collect formats fitting similar paradigms and then bridging between the hubs, we are able to achieve both a high-quality translation and a high level of code reuse.

Connectors may be written in any language because the hubs are all YAML data-structures. Developers and testers welcome.

Related programs

2008-10-12T17:07:44Z

EricWilhelm: update vectorsection link

== Inkscape Plugins, Scripts, and Templates ==
* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/inkboard Inkboard] plans to add a shared whiteboard function to Inkscape via XMPP (used by Jabber). With Inkboard, a local copy of a diagram can be edited "live" by other users you are chatting with.
* [http://www.digitalunleashed.com/giving.php SVGSlice] allows a high-quality SVG image to be directly sliced into bitmap graphics.
* [http://recusantmind.50webs.com/ Inkscape Extension for Linerider]: allows Inkscape to read and write [http://linerider.com/ LineRider] (.sol) files; can draw straight lines, beziers, zooming, erasing, modifying nodes, text, shapes and other drawings.

== Similar Applications ==

=== Free ===
==== graphics ====
* [[SodiPodi]]
* [[Karbon14]] (Koffice)
* [[OpenDraw]]
* [[Sketch|Skencil (formerly known as Sketch)]]
* [http://www.tuxpaint.org/ Tuxpaint] A child bitmap painting tool supporting SVG stamps and graphics. (GNU/GPL License)

==== page layout ====
* [[Abiword]] support SVG import/export with [[librsvg]].
* [http://scribus.net/ Scribus Home Page] (Contacts: irc.freenode.net #scribus )

==== animation ====
* [[Beez]] SVG animation software for Win32, written in Delphi. "As of 2004-09-30 07:29, this project is no longer under active development."
* [[The Gimp gfig]]
* [[mvComicsMaker]] vector + bitmap animation (not maintened since several years).
* [http://software.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=06/01/17/2056255&from=rss Synfig] Synfig is a two-dimensional vector animation studio, similar to the commercial product [[Moho]].
* [[KToon]]
*[http://www.les-stooges.org/pascal/pencil/ Pencil] free software (GPL) that support SVG import, manage bitmap/vector animation, serveral layers, drawing with tablet pressure, onionskin, export as flash SWF, movie, image sequence.

==== diagrams ====
* [[Dia]] (more for diagrams, less for illustrations)
* [[Kivio]] (Koffice)
* [[Xfig]]
* [http://glipssvgeditor.sourceforge.net/ GLIPS Graffiti]

==== Graphic notepad ====
* [http://www.adebenham.com/gournal/ Gournal] a gnome2-perl graphic and text notepad using SVG as fileformat.
* [http://java-notelab.sourceforge.net/ java-notebook] a java graphic and text notepad using SVG as fileformat

==== Colors ====
* [http://home.gna.org/colorscheme/ Agave] A simple GNOME application for generating colorschemes in the .gpl (Gimp palette format, not the license) Inkscape/Gimp compatible format. (GNU/GPL License)
* [http://www.littlecms.com/ [[LittleCMS]] Home Page] Color Management System

==== Fonts ====
[[FontForge]] [http://fontforge.sourceforge.net FontForge Home Page]
** Vector font editor and converter most bitmap/vector font format (ps,TTF,Type1 OpenType...)
** Can load/save SVG fonts
** Can import SVG curves to create characters.
** Interesting feature that could be imported in inkscape: allow to modify curves by draging the curve itself.
**(feature needed - an utility can be distributed with [[FontForge]] - an open .ttf viewer and printer like [[KeyTypeBook]] for MacOS Classic (7.0 to 9.6) )
**(w32 [[MinGW]] version (instead of Cygwin) of [[FontForge]] is missing)

==== Conversion ====
* [http://www.imagemagick.org/script/magick-vector-graphics.php Magick Vector Graphics] An interesting suite of programs which handle SVG and have the flavour of Image Magick. (GNU/GPL License)
* [http://wvware.sourceforge.net/libwmf.html Libwmf] provide the wmf2svg script we use for the extension.
* [http://thunder.prohosting.com/~rshi/svg/ ps2svg] A nice ps to svg converter written in postscript. Cannot handle text.
* [http://www.cityinthesky.co.uk/pdf2svg.html pdf2svg] A very useful pdf to svg converter. (GNU/GPL, requires Poppler and Cairo)
* [http://fig2vect.sourceforge.net fig2vect] convert from fig format (used by Xfig) to several formats including SVG (BSD license).
* [http://freshmeat.net/projects/fti2svg.pl fti2svg.pl] A perl script to convert SGI Irix .fti vector-based icons to SVG. (License : proprietary with sources)
* [[UniConverter]] [http://sourceforge.net/projects/uniconvertor/ UniConverter] is in some way a substitution to Vectorsection. Currently it's based on [http://sk1.sourceforge.net sK1] code, but soon will be separated so that other applications could easier reuse it.

=== Non-free ===
* [[Cenon]]
* [[Gestalter]]
* [[Tgif]]

==== Drawing ====
* [[AdobeIllustrator]]
* [[CorelDraw]]
* [[MacromediaFreehand]]
* [[JascWebDraw]]
* [[Xara X]]
* [[Expression]]
* [[Sketsa]]
* [http://www.macromedia.com/software/fireworks/ Macromedia Fireworks] Raster graphics for the web; infrastructure shared with other Macromedia software means it works very much like a Vector Graphics program. More comparable to Adobe [[ImageReady]], but Fireworks is very specifically designed for effecient creation of web graphics.

==== Animation ====
* [[Ikivo Animator]] from [[Ikivo]] is an application that enables designing animated content for mobile devices. Most impressive is the integrated device pro-viewing for guaranteed content accuracy.
* [[MacromediaFlash]]
* [[Moho]] Moho is a 2D vector-based cartoon animation application.
* [[theTAB]] The TAB 2.2 Lite is an entry level animation application, intended for creating cartoons.

==== Digrams ====
* [[MicrosoftVisio]]

==== Colors ====
* [http://www.colorschemer.com/online.html Color Schemer] A specialized tool for working with colors (for creating color schemes, finding harmonious colors, etc). The link is to an online version of the software.

==== math ====
* [http://www.maa.org/editorial/mathgames/mathgames_08_01_05.html Vector vs Raster] A comprehensive list of 67 Vector-based programs. 32 of the drawing programs support SVG.

==== Other ====
* [[XStudio]]
* [[Beatware Mobile Designer]]
* [[Real Draw Pro]]

== Viewers ==

=== Adobe SVG Viewer ===

* Website
** [http://www.adobe.com/svg/viewer/install/main.html Download Page] updated to v3.03 04/2005

== Browsers supporting SVG ==
=== Konqueror web browser ===

* Website
** [http://www.konqueror.org/] The Konqueror KDE web browser support SVG via librsvg plugin (see below).

=== Mozilla/Firefox SVG ===

* Website(s)
** [http://www.mozilla.org/projects/svg/ Official Mozilla SVG Project]
** [http://www.croczilla.com/svg/ http://www.croczilla.com/svg/]
* As of 26 April 2005, [http://weblogs.mozillazine.org/chase/archives/2005/04/svg_here_we_com.html SVG is now enabled in the Firefox trunk nightlies] (read comments on activation). To get a Firefox-SVG version, you can:
** [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Get_and_compile_the_source Build directly from CVS source]
** [http://www.mozilla.org/developer/#builds Download automated builds]
** [http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=42 Download "Third Party/Unofficial" builds]
* Cairo will [http://weblogs.mozillazine.org/mt/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=36&search=cairo replace the graphics engine] in 1.9+.
*
* Contact
** irc.mozilla.org #svg

=== Opera Webbrowser SVG Support ===

* Website(s)
** [http://www.opera.com/docs/specs/#graphics "Opera 8 supports an extension of SVG 1.1 Tiny that includes opacity, font handling, and animation."]
** [http://www.opera.com/support/search/supsearch.dml?index=466 Opera KB:Installing the Adobe SVG Viewer plugin]
** [http://my.opera.com/forums/showthread.php?s=680b539088b7de23ad238c32a4303e39&threadid=88098&highlight=svg "[[AdobeSVGViewer]] not working in Version 8"]

* Contact
** http://my.opera.com/forums/

== Mobile phones ==
There are millions of phones sold with SVGt 1.1 support and the SVGt 1.2 phones will soon hit the market.

* Websites
** [http://www.svg.org/special/svg_phones A growing list at svg.org]
** [http://www.ikivo.com/02player_phones.html Phones with the Ikivo Player]
** [http://developer.sonyericsson.com/site/global/docstools/multimedia/p_multimedia.jsp Sony Ericsson developer site] include SVG guidelines (Inkscape is in the list of recommended tools).

=== See Also ===

[http://www.w3.org/Graphics/SVG/SVG-Implementations.htm8 SVG Implementations] at the [[W3C]] - Inkscape is not on their list, but Sodipodi is.

[[SVGGeneralInformation]] on a separate page.

== Transcribers[[/Platform]] Optimizers ==

* [http://www.plazmic.com./en/products/index.shtml plazmic] ([[BlackBerry]])

== Co-Projects ==

=== Open Clip Art Library ===
* Website(s)
** [http://www.openclipart.org/ SVG clipart library]
* Contact
** irc.freenode.net #openclipart

=== Cairo ===

* Website(s)
** [http://cairographics.org/ Official Cairo Project]
* Contact
** irc.freenode.net #cairo

=== XSVG ===

* Website(s)
** [http://cairographics.org/snapshots/ XSVG Project sources]

=== librsvg ===

* Website
** [http://librsvg.sourceforge.net/ Official librsvg Project]
(version >= 2.8 include a good mozilla SVG plugin)
* Contact
** irc.gnome.org #librsvg or irc.gimp.org #librsvg

=== wxSVG ===
* Website
** [http://wxsvg.sourceforge.net wxSVG]
* Description
** A c++ library to create, manipulate and render SVG, for the wx toolkit.

=== [[VectorSection|VectorSection]] ===
*[http://vectorsection.org/ VectorSection] is an open-source collection of programs which form a universal vector-graphics translation system

=== [[Libcaca]] ===
*[http://libcaca.zoy.org/ libcaca] (Colour AsCii Art library) is a library and a set of tools to convert pictures and video to colored ascii art. It allow to export rendered color ascii art to SVG, PNG, ANSI colored text, HTML and PS.

=== GD::SVG perl module ===
*[http://search.cpan.org/~twh/GD-SVG-0.28/SVG.pm GD::SVG] allow any perl script using GD API to render graphics to render SVG using cairo instead of traditional GD bitmap by only replacing 'Use GD' by 'Use GD::SVG' and 'GD::Image->new();' by 'GD::SVG::Image->new();'

=== Ruby ===
There is at least 4 libs to manipulate/render SVG in Ruby :
Two for managing SVG generally
* [http://ruby-svg.sourceforge.jp/ Ruby-SVG]
* [http://ruby-gnome2.sourceforge.jp/ ruby-gnome2] contain a libRSVG binding for Ruby
And two more specialized in graph :
* [http://scruffy.rubyforge.org/ Scruffy]
* [http://www.germane-software.com/software/SVG/SVG::Graph/ SVG::Graph]

== Note ==
(BEN) This page is now rather long, it should be split up ... 
(TomB) agreed; some of the bullet points can be condensed (blank lines removed), & links directly about Inkscape can be put in a new page 
(BEN) Please remove references to Uberconverter soonest

[[Category:Developer Documentation]]
[[Category:Needs Work]]

Google Summer of Code 2006

2006-04-30T21:24:09Z

EricWilhelm: VectorSection's DXF connects to RZP, not CRS

=== SOC 2006 ===

Google has been kind enough to invite Inkscape to participate as a mentoring organization in the Summer of Code 2006. The students and developers had a lot of fun last year, and resulted in some _great_ additions to the software, so we are very enthused about this year.

Below is a list of ideas that Inkscape developers think might make good projects. Please do not let this list constrain you; if you have a good idea beyond what is listed we'd love to see it!

Also, we would strongly encourage students to contact us on the Inkscape developer's list prior to submitting your proposal. This gives us a chance to get to know you and to give you feedback that will strengthen your proposal.

== Project Ideas ==

=== A. PDF Export Extension ===

PDF is the most important graphic document interchange format, but Inkscape's current capability is woefully inadequate (we export to postscript and use ps2pdf). This project would focus on establishing a solid solution to this need.

An implementation approach for this would be to create a new Inkscape extension, "crs2pdf", which links to the [http://cairographics.org/ Cairo] library for [http://www.cairographics.org/manual/cairo-PDF-Surfaces.html PDF rendering] capability, and to [http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/vectorsection Vector Section] for parsing the SVG into CRS.

This work may also require making some alterations to Cairo and/or VectorSection to improve the quality of the throughput.

The tool must successfully convert at least half of the about screens used in Inkscape versions 0.35-0.44. Major kudos if you can convert all of them.

Mentor: [[EricWilhelm]]

=== B. EPS Import ===

While SVG is becoming a common format for exchanging data between graphics programs, EPS is currently much more common. Inkscape's current EPS support is flakey and poorly maintained. The plan is to switch to use of Scribus' EPS Import Library.

This project would involve creating a new Inkscape extension, "eps2crs", which links to Scribus' EPS import library and exports into the [http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/vectorsection Vector Section] CRS format.

This work may also require making some alterations to the Scribus PDF library and/or VectorSection to improve the quality of the throughput.

Mentor: [[EricWilhelm]]

=== C. Memory Optimization ===

Inkscape is a bit heavy in its memory use, and is tough to use on computers with limited RAM. This project would seek to analyze and understand Inkscape's memory usage, identify and correct all memory leaks, and decrease memory usage for typical cases. Ultimately, the project should result in Inkscape running smoothly on lower RAM systems than currently.

Mentor: MentalGuy

=== D. Inkboard Portability ===

Last year we had a successful project to integrate the SVG online whiteboard capability, called Inkboard, into Inkscape. Unfortunately, it does not work on Windows, so many users are missing out on this capability.

This work may involve [http://svn.sourceforge.net/viewcvs.cgi/inkscape/inkscape/branches/INKBOARD_PEDRO/src/jabber_whiteboard/protocol/ formalizing and extending the Inkboard communication protocol] and [http://svn.sourceforge.net/viewcvs.cgi/inkscape/inkscape/branches/INKBOARD_PEDRO/src/jabber_whiteboard/ working on the INKBOARD_PEDRO branch])

Mentor: Ted

=== E. New Grids ===

Inkscape currently has square grids that can be snapped to. Extend this to allow other kinds of grids: Perspective, hex, iso, etc.

This will involve modifying the grid code to support the ability to have multiple kinds of grids, implementing at least 3 new grids, and adding the UI elements to allow users to make use of them.

Mentor: TBD

=== F. SVG Filters ===

Filters are a very important SVG capability, that allows giving special features to drawing objects, including shadows, blurs, etc. Inkscape currently does not support this capability, but it's high on the list of desires.

This project involves some rearchitecting of Inkscape's shape code to allow inclusion of filters, and requires implementing at least one filter, 'Gaussian blur' as a proof of concept.

Mentor: Bulia

=== G. Adding bitmap capabilities to Inkscape ===

While the purpose of Inkscape is to be a vector editor, design in the real world requires dealing with bitmaps too. Inkscape can import the bitmaps, and have them as full canvas objects, but there is no significant bitmap operations in Inkscape. While there is no reason for Inkscape to replicate the functionality of The GIMP, it would be desirable to have a few simple operations available from Inkscape.

This project will use the Inkscape extensions system to add a series of bitmap effects. The majority of the effects will be achieved through the integration of the ImageMagick bitmap handling libraries. GIMP may be another source. These effects can then be run on bitmap graphics within Inkscape.

The work should be encapsulated in such a way that in theory, other vector graphics applications (such as Xara), could also use the work. However, for the scope of this project we only require demonstration of the capabilities in Inkscape.

Project Timeline:

* Implement first effect. This involves building Inkscape, linking in ImageMagick and getting one effect written (6 weeks)
* Implement remaining effects within ImageMagick (3 weeks)
* Build a test suite for operations and complete all Doxygen documentation of code (3 weeks)

Mentor: Ted

=== H. Inkscape / GIMP Bitmap Editing Integration ===

Currently, you can embed raster/bitmap images into Inkscape drawings, but editing them is a bit of a hassle because Inkscape isn't really "aware" of external bitmap editing tools.

This project would seek to correct this by modifying inkscape's image embedding code to interoperate more directly with external bitmap programs. For instance, there would be an "open external editor" command that could be used when one or more bitmap images are selected. Another idea would be to include some common bitmap modification commands from the external program, that can be run entirely within Inkscape. A third idea is drag and drop of selections from the bitmap editor to Inkscape, and SVG selections from Inkscape to the bitmap tool.

As a proof of concept, the result should demonstrate this interoperability with GIMP. Note that the code should be developed such that in theory it should work with any bitmap editor, but we would only require demonstration of working with GIMP.

Also see: http://sourceforge.net/tracker/index.php?func=detail&aid=862655&group_id=93438&atid=604309

Mentor: TBD

=== I. Text Tool Improvements ===

Inkscape's text tool is handy, but still lacks many of the niceties that users would like. This project would seek to address this by implementing various improvements that users have requested.

Some ideas for improvements:
* Make flowed text respect the default style of the text tool
* when flowing a text which already contains line breaks, provide a way for the line breaks to be conserved.
* when the style selected in the the Text and Font dialog is applied it erases any other style applied to some part of the text (like italics on some words, bold on others...), it would also be better to keep them where appropriate.
* Search through the Inkscape RFE list for other text and font improvement ideas

Mentor: TBD

=== J. Color Adjustment Dialog ===

Currently, it is possible to select, say, 12 objects in the drawing and set them to the same color/gradient/pattern. This project would go a step further, allowing multiple objects of differing color to have aspects of their color (such as brightness/contrast, HSL, etc.) altered, and to operate on vector objects with different fill styles (flat, gradient, or pattern fills), and to bitmaps.

Mentor: Bulia

=== K. External CSS Support ===

Inkscape currently supports inline CSS, but real support for non-inline CSS would allow storing style elements in the document head or an external file, and help prevent a lot of duplication of style info inline. It will also improve the ability to use SVG generated by other programs that use non-inline CSS.

Mentor: TBD

=== L. Bucket fill tool ===

This feature provides a new tool that generates a vector object with the desired color. This would allow, for example, the artist to draw a set of intersecting lines, and paint the blank spaces in between.

Two approaches have been proposed: The first would export to a bitmap, perform a flood-fill, then trace the result and insert back into the drawing. The second would strive to detect the surrounding vector objects, extract their points, and then construct a matching shape with the desired fill. Both approaches have their pros and cons; please select either and explain why you wish to do it that way, and how you would do it.

More discussion is available here: http://sourceforge.net/tracker/index.php?func=detail&aid=1123138&group_id=93438&atid=604309

Mentor: Bulia

== Additional Ideas ==

* SVG support in OpenOffice (not exactly Inkscape development, but would allow Inkscape users to paste in art rather than having to export to png and really promote usuage of Inkscape). Not to mention eliminating all those duplicate svg/png image files!

* More potrace/SIOX/etc. style features/development

* Extending the online InkscapeSVG stuff - might be very cool for sharing sketches, etc

* Building a public whiteboard server for Inkscape users, with a web site of its own, user galleries, interest groups, scheduled drawathons, connections to OCAL, etc.

* Skeletal Strokes and Effect Lines - A few links: Our wiki page on Expression [[http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/Expression]], Technical papers on Skeletal Strokes [[http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=192186]], Examples - [[http://northlite.50megs.com/expr/effectlines.htm]], [[http://www.wa.commufa.jp/~ksg/p_pfwp5_cgf.htm]], [[http://personal-computer-tutor.com/abc4/v36/sara36.htm]].

* Improve the functionality and ease of use of the python effects API (see my proposal in the [[ImprovingPythonExtensionAPI]] page )

* Standalone palette editor

* Converter from Visio to VectorSection's CRS format

* Converter from CorelDraw (CDR) to VectorSection's CRS format

* Converter enhancements for VectorSection (dxf2rzp, rzp2dxf, rzp2crs, crs2rzp, etc.)

* Converter from Flash (SWF) to VectorSection's CRS format

=== SOC 2005 ===
* [[SOC Accepted Proposals]]
* [[SOC Writing Project Proposals]]
* [[SOC Selection Criteria]]
* [[SOC Original Project Prompts]]

InkscapeHistory

2006-04-27T06:20:57Z

EricWilhelm: incoming fact snippets

== Overview ==

''from the inkscape manpage by [[BryceHarrington]]''

The codebase that would become Inkscape began life in 1999 as the program Gill, the GNOME Illustrator application, created by Raph Levien. The stated objective for Gill was to eventually support all of SVG. Raph implemented the PostScript bezier imaging model, including stroking and filling, line cap style, line join style, text, etc. Raph's Gill page is at http://www.levien.com/svg/. Work on Gill appears to have slowed or ceased in 2000.

The next incarnation of the codebase was to become the highly popular program Sodipodi, led by Lauris Kaplinski. The codebase was turned into a powerful illustration program over the course of several year's work, adding several new features, multi-lingual support, porting to Windows and other operating systems, and eliminating dependencies.

Inkscape was formed in 2003 by four active Sodipodi developers, Bryce Harrington, MenTaLguY, Nathan Hurst, and Ted Gould, wanting to take a different direction with the codebase in terms of focus on SVG compliance, interface look-and-feel, and a desire to open development opportunities to more participants.

== Timeline ==

=== 1998 ===

[http://www.levien.com/svg/ Gill] starts as an effort to implement SVG on the Gnome canvas.

Sodipodi starts as a private branch? See [http://dot.kde.org/1071748404/ interview with Lauris].

=== 1999 ===

The SodiPodi 0.17 Changelog shows major changes on 1999-09-02.

=== 2000 ===

Sodipodi gets a sourceforge page, 0.17 release lists 3 authors.

=== 2003 ===

Inkscape forks from SodiPodi.

== References ==

[http://gould.cx/ted/ink-about/ Ted's pages of "about dialogs"]

== Release History ==

This is straight off of the sourceforge pages. These raw facts are here to help spur your memory. Please add what you know in a timeline format above.

: '''Inkscape'''
:: 2005-11-19 0.43
:: 2005-08-21 0.42.2
:: 2005-07-24 0.42
:: 2005-02-08 0.41
:: 2004-11-28 0.40
:: 2004-10-27 Snapshots
:: 2004-07-15 0.39
:: 2004-04-08 0.38.1
:: 2004-02-10 0.37

: '''SodiPodi'''
:: 2004-02-10 0.34
:: 2003-11-29 0.33
:: 2003-06-19 0.32
:: 2003-02-21 0.31
:: 2003-02-06 0.30
:: 2003-01-27 0.29
:: 2002-11-24 0.28
:: 2002-10-08 0.27
:: 2002-09-21 0.26
:: 2002-09-10 0.25
:: 2001-10-04 0.24.1
:: 2001-09-26 0.24
:: 2001-05-17 0.23
:: 2001-03-09 0.22
:: 2001-01-25 0.21
:: 2000-10-08 0.20
:: 2000-08-18 0.19
:: 2000-04-13 0.18.2
:: 2000-03-27 0.17-2
:: 2000-03-27 0.17

InkscapeHistory

2006-04-27T05:20:16Z

EricWilhelm: manpage overview drop-in

== Overview ==

''from the inkscape manpage by [[BryceHarrington]]''

The codebase that would become Inkscape began life in 1999 as the program Gill, the GNOME Illustrator application, created by Raph Levien. The stated objective for Gill was to eventually support all of SVG. Raph implemented the PostScript bezier imaging model, including stroking and filling, line cap style, line join style, text, etc. Raph's Gill page is at http://www.levien.com/svg/. Work on Gill appears to have slowed or ceased in 2000.

The next incarnation of the codebase was to become the highly popular program Sodipodi, led by Lauris Kaplinski. The codebase was turned into a powerful illustration program over the course of several year's work, adding several new features, multi-lingual support, porting to Windows and other operating systems, and eliminating dependencies.

Inkscape was formed in 2003 by four active Sodipodi developers, Bryce Harrington, MenTaLguY, Nathan Hurst, and Ted Gould, wanting to take a different direction with the codebase in terms of focus on SVG compliance, interface look-and-feel, and a desire to open development opportunities to more participants.

== Timeline ==

=== 1999 ===

[http://www.levien.com/svg/ Gill] starts as an effort to implement SVG on the Gnome canvas.

The SodiPodi 0.17 Changelog shows major changes on 1999-09-02. How long before this was it still a seed of an idea and discussions on mailing lists?

=== 2000 ===

Sodipodi gets a sourceforge page, 0.17 release lists 3 authors.

=== 2003 ===

Inkscape forks from SodiPodi.

== References ==

[http://gould.cx/ted/ink-about/ Ted's pages of "about dialogs"]

== Release History ==

This is straight off of the sourceforge pages. These raw facts are here to help spur your memory. Please add what you know in a timeline format above.

: '''Inkscape'''
:: 2005-11-19 0.43
:: 2005-08-21 0.42.2
:: 2005-07-24 0.42
:: 2005-02-08 0.41
:: 2004-11-28 0.40
:: 2004-10-27 Snapshots
:: 2004-07-15 0.39
:: 2004-04-08 0.38.1
:: 2004-02-10 0.37

: '''SodiPodi'''
:: 2004-02-10 0.34
:: 2003-11-29 0.33
:: 2003-06-19 0.32
:: 2003-02-21 0.31
:: 2003-02-06 0.30
:: 2003-01-27 0.29
:: 2002-11-24 0.28
:: 2002-10-08 0.27
:: 2002-09-21 0.26
:: 2002-09-10 0.25
:: 2001-10-04 0.24.1
:: 2001-09-26 0.24
:: 2001-05-17 0.23
:: 2001-03-09 0.22
:: 2001-01-25 0.21
:: 2000-10-08 0.20
:: 2000-08-18 0.19
:: 2000-04-13 0.18.2
:: 2000-03-27 0.17-2
:: 2000-03-27 0.17

BryceHarrington

2006-04-27T05:16:18Z

EricWilhelm: wikify link (bryce really must give himself more credit)

Bryce Harrington, an [[InkScape]] developer. Lives in Tigard, Oregon and works at
[http://www.osdl.org/ OSDL].

Google Summer of Code 2006

2006-04-26T21:48:42Z

EricWilhelm: still learning to use wiki markup :-(

Google Summer of Code 2006

2006-04-26T21:46:48Z

EricWilhelm: regrouped import/export items and added vectorsection wishlist link

InkscapeHistory

2006-04-26T20:23:55Z

EricWilhelm: tobias suggested checking the 0.17 Changelog, ted's link, better release list

== Timeline ==

=== 2003 ===

Inkscape forks from SodiPodi.

=== 2000 ===

Sodipodi gets a sourceforge page, 0.17 release lists 3 authors.

=== 1999 ===

The SodiPodi 0.17 Changelog shows major changes on 1999-09-02. How long before this was it still a seed of an idea and discussions on mailing lists?

== References ==

[http://gould.cx/ted/ink-about/ Ted's pages of "about dialogs"]

== Release History ==

This is straight off of the sourceforge pages. These raw facts are here to help spur your memory. Please add what you know in a timeline format above.

: '''Inkscape'''
:: 2005-11-19 0.43
:: 2005-08-21 0.42.2
:: 2005-07-24 0.42
:: 2005-02-08 0.41
:: 2004-11-28 0.40
:: 2004-10-27 Snapshots
:: 2004-07-15 0.39
:: 2004-04-08 0.38.1
:: 2004-02-10 0.37

: '''SodiPodi'''
:: 2004-02-10 0.34
:: 2003-11-29 0.33
:: 2003-06-19 0.32
:: 2003-02-21 0.31
:: 2003-02-06 0.30
:: 2003-01-27 0.29
:: 2002-11-24 0.28
:: 2002-10-08 0.27
:: 2002-09-21 0.26
:: 2002-09-10 0.25
:: 2001-10-04 0.24.1
:: 2001-09-26 0.24
:: 2001-05-17 0.23
:: 2001-03-09 0.22
:: 2001-01-25 0.21
:: 2000-10-08 0.20
:: 2000-08-18 0.19
:: 2000-04-13 0.18.2
:: 2000-03-27 0.17-2
:: 2000-03-27 0.17

Printing consensus poll

2006-04-26T19:39:21Z

EricWilhelm: uberconverter is now vectorsection

== Problem ==

Bryce has pointed out the #1 feature need for Inkscape right now is strong support for Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and Postscript (PS) in his [http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/forum.php?forum_id=36054&max_rows=25&style=flat&viewmonth=200511&viewday=30 2005.11.30 email] to the Inkscape mailing lists.
This [[ConsensusPoll]] exists to enable the community to efficiently create and commit to a plan of action to resolve this issue.

== Contract ==

* >= 20 inkscape enthusiasts
* >= 4 developers with commit access
* >= 95% yes
* all conditions in plan are met
* 72 hour GO timer
* 80% cloture

[[ContractExplanation]]

Because this contract defines what it means to participate in this poll it will never be changed. If it turns out to be inadequate, this poll must be canceled and a new poll with a new contract must be drafted.

== Yes-No Poll ==

Participation in this poll is open to anyone who wants to participate.

Voting yes in this poll means that you believe the community created plan is ready for implementation, and that you will do your part to support its execution. Voting no in this poll means that you have outstanding concerns about the community created plan. You can change your vote at any time. All votes are transparent so that those voting yes can listen to the concerns of those voting no.

No ... [[BrandonCsSanders]] - Success needs to be defined (e.g., if all 20 test cases are passed ...)
Yes... [[BryceHarrington]] - Let's do it
No ... [[AlexandreProkoudine]] - There is no plan yet
No ... [[ColinMarquardt]] - There is no plan yet
No ... [[EricWilhelm]] - The plan needs salt
No ... [[MenTaLguY]] - This isn't much of a plan...
No ... [[JonCruz]] - Plan? Not quite yet
No ... [[JonPhillips]] - no plan...
No ... [[NicuBuculei]] - so far the plan is weak
No ... [[RalfWStephan]] - Where are the test cases?
No ... [[AndyFitzsimon]] - I will also pledge $50 once someone defines how we do pledges.
No ... [[TuukkaPasanen]] - There isn't good plan yet.
No ... [[EricJonas]] - There is no plan
No ... [[AdibTaraben]] theAdib - There is no plan
No ... Martin Owens - There is a plan but it's pants.
Yes ....[[Corey Burger]] -plan, what plan?
No ... [[Gustavb]] - The plan is incomplete.

(If you are voting no because the plan is incomplete, please describe what you'd like to see added or changed.)

== Pledges ==

$50 ... [[BryceHarrington]] - I will pledge $50 once someone defines how we do pledges :-)
$50 ... [[AndyFitzsimon]] - I will also pledge $50 once someone defines how we do pledges.
€50 ... [[RalfWStephan]] - whenever the plan has succeeded
$50 ... [[BrandonCsSanders]] - once the plan is done
$100 ... [[EricJonas]] - Just let me know how to pledge

== Plan ==

# Describe the [[Current PDF Support]] and the known [[PDF bugs]]
# Identify [[Required PDF Support]]
# Assemble a few dozen examples to use as [[PDF test cases]]
# Document how each of the current [[PDF tools]] (potential starting points) performs on the suite of test cases
# Determine timeframe
## Start some time in early 2006?
## Expected completion some time in mid/late 2006?
# Select developer with the right skillset
## C[[/C]]++, XML
## PDF file format
## SVG file format
## Able to work under (U.S.) contract
## [[/Other]] skillset requirements?/
# Determine what funding is needed to enable them to complete the work
# Establish a contract with the selected developer to perform the work
# When the developer is done, verify that all test cases pass, then pay developer

== Background Information ==

* [[SOC_Original_Project_Prompts]]
* [[PrintingSubsystem]]
* [[Roadmap]] (Milestone 11) Import[[/Export]] Feature Enhancements

== Adequate Technical Solutions ==

What solutions would be fine?
* Library that integrates directly in to inkscape (and scribus, ...)
** Use [[Cairo]] as the presentation layer and use its support for pdf/ps
*** This may be a first step towards an eventual migration of the backend renderer to Cairo
** See [http://poppler.freedesktop.org/ Poppler] for PDF import.
*** [http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/poppler/2005-June/000428.html pdftosvg 1]
*** [http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/message.php?msg_id=14147945 pdftosvg 2]
*** [http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/poppler/2005-December/001248.html pdftosvg 3]
** Pull out the scribus pdf support into a libpdf (libpdf name has already been used) that can be shared by both scribus and Inkscape
*** Requires conversion of Qt-isms into more neutral widgetset-independent style
* Extend an existing standalone (filter) tool that can be bundled with inkscape
** [http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/vectorsection/ VectorSection]
** [http://www.solidcode.net/pdf2svg/ pdf2svg]
** [http://www.sodipodi.com/index.php3?section=download/tools ill2svg]
** [http://www.xs4all.nl/~hanwen/public/software/ai2svg.py ai2svg]
** [http://www.accesspdf.com/pdftk/ pdftk]

== Possible Strategies ==

* Raise money and hire a developer to implement it
** Collect pledges, once we are over threshold collect funds (http://fundable.org/)
*** What should the threshhold be? $2000? $5000?
*** Still too early to decide what the threshold should be. We need to know how much it will cost first.
*** Fundable now charges a 10% fee from the amount collected
** Need to decide what the funds would be spent on ahead of time
*** 10-20% - Tester to collect test cases and put together a test suite for developer to use
*** 70-80% - Developer to write the code, document it, and make it pass the tests
*** 5-10% - Liaison to handle the paperwork, collect/distribute funds, track/report progress, and verify the work has been completed adequately
** Mercenaries that would do this for us?

*** [[BrandonCsSanders]] ... I'd do it for $2000, half up front, half once it meets spec. Caveat: it would take me six months to complete because my plate is pretty full right now and I'll be snatching a week here and a week there.
*** [[EricWilhelm]] ... This will be a lovely fit for [[VectorSection]]. I'm guessing $5k would get it to about the same level as XAR and SVG in chromista. I would also be happy to oversee/direct the work of someone else wanting to write this as a pair of [[VectorSection]] connectors (crs2pdf, pdf2crs.)
*** /other mercenaries?/
* Hold a [http://www.usemod.com/cgi-bin/mb.pl?BarnRaising [[BarnRaising]]]
** at [http://RecentChangesCamp.org [[RecentChangesCamp]]] in Portland February 3-5
** other location/time?
* Wait for a volunteer to get inspired and just do it

== Questions[[/Brainstorms]] ==

* What about what inkscape earned through the Google Summer of Code? What's the status of this?
** $2000 earned; there has been no plan or consensus for what to use it for
* Does Cairo have PDF export already? What about to use cairo for just this job? and later then use cairo for the whole presentation layer? Instead of creating an interims solution?
** Yes, Cairo has PDF export capabilities; it's unknown if it's significantly better than our current (poor) pdf export functionality
** Cairo Postscript and PDF backends are still experimental and disabled by default in current stable release, but plan is to make them supported in next stable release, expected for the end of 2005. See [http://cvs.cairographics.org/*checkout*/cairo/ROADMAP Cairo ROADMAP]
** A way to test cairo capabilities would be to use librsvg HEAD. See Dom Lachowicz [http://www.advogato.org/person/cinamod/diary.html?start=91 blog entry].
* Investigate ps2ai, pstoedit and ai2svg conversion options (potential EPS support?)
* Import of native [[AdobeIllustrator]] files, which have been PDF based since Illustrator 10 (at least).
* Other [[PDF Bugs | Bugs and RFE's]] related to Import or Export?
* [[VectorSection]]
** Other than not yet being stable, this seems like a very good choice and provides lots of choices for import/export.
* Is direct import/export of PS or PDF really necessary? Or is transparant import/export a reasonable target? The main problem with the current implementation is the need for the users to deal with filter dependancies. A complete bundle of the most important filters would solve this. Filters have the advantages of allowing Inkscape to concentrate on what it does best, SVG, and allowing sophisticated users to insert specialized filters into existing pipelines.

PDF Tools

2006-04-26T19:37:29Z

EricWilhelm: uberconverter is now vectorsection

== PDF[[/AI]] input ==

=== ill2svg ===

Perl script shipped with Inkscape today. Can only handle the older postscript based ai files?

* [http://www.sodipodi.com/index.php3?section=download/tools ill2svg]

=== ai2svg ===

* [http://www.xs4all.nl/~hanwen/public/software/ai2svg.py ai2svg]

=== pdf2svg ===

* [http://www.solidcode.net/pdf2svg/ pdf2svg]

=== pstoedit ===

Translates [[PostScript]] and PDF graphics into other vector formats.
Needs to call a [[PostScript]] (or Pdf?) interpreter like Ghostscript.
SVG plugin available as binary only.

* [http://www.pstoedit.net/pstoedit pstoedit]
* [http://www.helga-glunz.homepage.t-online.de/plugins/ pstoedit plugins]

=== ps2svg ===

SVG driver for Ghostscript. Not available?

* [http://www.eprg.org/projects/SVG/ps2svg/ ps2svg]

=== Ghostscript ===

* [http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~ghost/ Ghostscript]

=== Xpdf ===

* [http://www.foolabs.com/xpdf/ Xpdf]

=== Poppler ===

A PDF rendering library based on Xpdf.

* [http://poppler.freedesktop.org/ Poppler]

=== [[VectorSection]] ===

[[VectorSection]] could do ps/pdf/ai in and out if someone would write the connectors.

=== pdftk ===

* [http://www.accesspdf.com/pdftk/ pdftk]

=== Scribus ===

* [http://www.scribus.net/ Scribus]

== PDF[[/AI]] output ==

=== ps2ai ===

Postscript script shipped with Inkscape today. Generates the older postscript based ai files?

=== Cairo ===

* [http://cairographics.org/ Cairo]

=== Scribus ===

* [http://www.scribus.net/ Scribus]

VectorSection

2006-04-26T19:33:56Z

EricWilhelm: uberconverter is now vectorsection

[http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/vectorsection/ [[VectorSection]] project page]

VectorSection is an open-source collection of programs which form a universal vector-graphics translation system. By using hubs to collect formats fitting similar paradigms and then bridging between the hubs, we are able to achieve both a high-quality translation and a high level of code reuse.

Connectors may be written in any language because the hubs are all YAML data-structures. Developers and testers welcome.

User:EricWilhelm

2006-04-26T19:32:37Z

EricWilhelm: uberconverter is now vectorsection

Inkscape user, Perl/Python/Ruby hacker, and open-source CAD/graphics/engineering software developer. I have been producing, tracking, and contributing to multiple open-source projects for several years. Primarily focussed on CAD and engineering, I started [http://scratchcomputing.com/ Scratch Computing] and the [[VectorSection]] project as a way to build solid foundations for other developers so that open-source software can be more easily built on standards while also staying connected to the commonly used data formats of the proprietary software world.

UberConverter

2006-04-26T19:29:44Z

EricWilhelm: UberConverter moved to VectorSection: UberConverter was a working title

#redirect [[VectorSection]]

VectorSection

2006-04-26T19:29:44Z

EricWilhelm: UberConverter moved to VectorSection

[http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/uber-converter/ [[UberConverter]] project page]

The [[UberConverter]] is an open-source collection of programs which form a universal vector-graphics translation system. By using hubs to collect formats fitting similar paradigms and then bridging between the hubs, we are able to achieve both a high-quality translation and a high level of code reuse.

Connectors may be written in any language because the hubs are all YAML data-structures.

InkscapeHistory

2006-04-26T19:13:42Z

EricWilhelm: oops, formats better with date first

=== ReleaseHistory ===

This is straight off of the sourceforge pages. These raw facts are here to help spur your memory. Please add what you know in a timeline format above.

* Inkscape
** 2005-11-19 0.43
** 2005-08-21 0.42.2
** 2005-07-24 0.42
** 2005-02-08 0.41
** 2004-11-28 0.40
** 2004-10-27 Snapshots
** 2004-07-15 0.39
** 2004-04-08 0.38.1
** 2004-02-10 0.37

* SodiPodi
** 2004-02-10 0.34
** 2003-11-29 0.33
** 2003-06-19 0.32
** 2003-02-21 0.31
** 2003-02-06 0.30
** 2003-01-27 0.29
** 2002-11-24 0.28
** 2002-10-08 0.27
** 2002-09-21 0.26
** 2002-09-10 0.25
** 2001-10-04 0.24.1
** 2001-09-26 0.24
** 2001-05-17 0.23
** 2001-03-09 0.22
** 2001-01-25 0.21
** 2000-10-08 0.20
** 2000-08-18 0.19
** 2000-04-13 0.18.2
** 2000-03-27 0.17-2
** 2000-03-27 0.17

InkscapeHistory

2006-04-26T19:10:24Z

EricWilhelm: new page, sourceforge release dates

=== ReleaseHistory ===

This is straight off of the sourceforge pages. These raw facts are here to help spur your memory. Please add what you know in a timeline format above.

* Inkscape
** 0.43 2005-11-19
** 0.42.2 2005-08-21
** 0.42 2005-07-24
** 0.41 2005-02-08
** 0.40 2004-11-28
** 0.39 2004-07-15
** 0.38.1 2004-04-08
** 0.37 2004-02-10

* SodiPodi
** 0.34 2004-02-10
** 0.33 2003-11-29
** 0.32 2003-06-19
** 0.31 2003-02-21
** 0.30 2003-02-06
** 0.29 2003-01-27
** 0.28 2002-11-24
** 0.27 2002-10-08
** 0.26 2002-09-21
** 0.25 2002-09-10
** 0.24.1 2001-10-04
** 0.24 2001-09-26
** 0.23 2001-05-17
** 0.22 2001-03-09
** 0.21 2001-01-25
** 0.20 2000-10-08
** 0.19 2000-08-18
** 0.18.2 2000-04-13
** 0.17-2 2000-03-27
** 0.17 2000-03-27

SodiPodi

2006-04-26T18:59:24Z

EricWilhelm: Added history

=== Inkscape Sodipodi Comparison ===

Inkscape started as a fork of Sodipodi and Inkscape would not be where it is today without having had the base of Sodipodi to build on. As the two programs evolve it becomes increasingly useful to compare the two so that the developers of each can consider what features to copy from each other, and so that users can which program is useful for which drawing task or suits them best.

* Overall, Inkscape progresses faster and has more developers working on it. Inkscape's developer and user lists are currently more active.

* Sodipodi's renderer is noticeably faster, but less correct (often has artifacts with complex self-intersecting paths).

* Sodipodi's freehand tool is different from Inkscape's. Inkscape and Sodipodi have improved different aspects of the freehand tool since the fork. Sodipodi uses for the freehand tool an algorithm similar to that of the calligraphic tool, with parameters like drag and mass (not adjustable, however, as of 0.34); this makes the tool seem to adapt how closely the curve should match the mouse's path, whereas in Inkscape one must choose a fixed tolerance in advance.

:Situation as of Inkscape 0.40: Some people prefer the behavior of Sodipodi's freehand, while others prefer Inkscape. See [[FreehandComparison]] page for example screenshots from both categories of users. After 0.40, Inkscape CVS will experiment with incorporating sodipodi's improvements.

* For documentation, Inkscape has a detailed manpage, several big SVG tutorials and a complete shortcuts reference in SVG and HTML. The Sodipodi documentation is limited to a brief text-only shortcuts list and various web pages. (Some of Inkscape's documentation could be helpful for Sodipodi use too.)

* Inkscape fixed scores of bugs that Sodipodi has not yet fixed. Most applicable fixes from Sodipodi since the fork have been ported to Inkscape. On the other hand, the tons of new features in Inkscape undoubtedly introduced their own bugs. Inkscape employs a very intensive bug tracking process, that seems to help stabilize new features, though. Overall, people seem to agree that Inkscape is more robust and crashes less.

* Inkscape's package for Microsoft Windows is self-contained and easy to install which makes things simpler and more convenient for testers.
: Sodipodi requires a separate installation of GTK libraries which although more complicated can be helpful if you wish to use less diskspace/bandwidth by sharing the same version of GTK (and settings) with other applictions GTK applications such as the GIMP, GAIM and more. (Should Inkscape try to provide another windows build that links dynamically to an existing install of gtk or any other libraries? Probably, but until we have resources to do both the current setup is the most straightforward default.)

* Opinion is mixed as to which interface is better. Overall, most people seem to prefer Inkscape's use of a Single Document Interface (SDI) to the use of a Controlled Single Document Interface (CSDI) in Sodipodi.

** Inkscape has tools and tool controls attached to each editing window as toolbars. This seeks to minimize the need for floating windows and makes the most important controls more predictably positioned and faster to reach. Sodipodi has one big floating toolbox shared by all document windows.

::Sodipodi's interface has been described as more [http://www.gimp.org/ GIMP]-like. Inkscape's interface, on the other hand, resembles some of the commercial vector applications, most notably [[Xara X]].

:: One disadvantage to Inkscape's approach is that toolbars may either be partially cut off when the editing window is too small, or prevent the window from getting as small as possible. Inkscape toolbars are, in theory, detachable, so they can be removed from the editing window and float freely as separate windows. In practice, however, this is hardly usable because GTK does not make such detached toolbars stay on top, so they sink to the bottom very soon and are rather cumbersome to dig up again, especially if you have many windows. Let's hope GTK will fix this one day. (Windows need to set the correct hint to let the window manager know they are utility windows, the proceeding point may already be out of date and the following comments seem to confirm it).

::Also, any Inkscape toolbar can be permanently hidden; you can easily make a "bare" window without any buttons, if you are willing to use keyboard shortcuts instead of toolbar buttons.

** Inkscape's dialogs by default stay on top of the currently active document window. Sodipodi's dialogs (including the toolbox) sink.
:: Not anymore, recent version of Sodipodi has the same "problem" as Inkscape - dialogs stay on top. --[[HandgranatSandra]]
:: Do they stay on top of all editing windows (as in Inkscape), or only over the original one from which they were called? --bb

** Inkscape remembers the size and position of dialogs across sessions, Sodipodi does not.

* Inkscape has a lead in usability:

** Inkscape has many more keyboard and mouse shortcuts (but arguably this is greater flexibility not necessarily better usability). Compare [http://inkscape.org/doc/keys.html Inkscape list] and [http://www.sodipodi.com/index.php3?section=documentation/usage/keybindings Sodipodi list]. Inkscape has a unique focus on keyboard accessibility of basic editing operations (move, transform, z-order, etc.)

** Inkscape remembers the zoom and view and window geometry of saved files.

** Selecting objects in Inkscape is much easier (select in groups, select under, forced rubberband, settable drag and grab tolerances, canvas autoscrolls when you drag objects or do a rubberband selection).

** Consistent treatment of stroke width, patterns, and gradients, which are either transformed in sync with their objects or stay unchanged in transformation, depending on a user setting.

** Inkscape has many more statusbar tips, tooltips, and other runtime verbiage. The size of an average .po file (containing all the interface strings) of Inkscape is more than twice that of Sodipodi.

** Exporting to bitmap is much more convenient in Inkscape (filename and resolution remembered, selected objects only export, more command line export options).

** Inkscape has over a many usability enhancements, too many to list here. See [[ReleaseNotes]] for the past versions for a complete list.

* Features of Sodipodi not currently in Inkscape (possibly incomplete; please add if you know of others):

** The "Apply to duplicate" checkbox in the Transformations dialog. However, in Inkscape 0.41 most if not all effects achievable by this checkbox can be replicated using the Tile Clones dialog that creates clones (which can then be unlinked to become regular duplicates).

** The "Repeat" command to repeat the last command.

* Features in Inkscape but not currently in Sodipodi:

** Layers.

** Manual and automatic kerning and letterspacing in text.

** Text on path, flowed text.

** Editing of SVG markers (e.g. arrowheads). Sodipodi has only a limited display support for markers.

** Much more convenient on-canvas gradient editing.

** Creation and editing of clones (SVG <use> element). Sodipodi only has limited display support for <use>.

** Clone tiling (arranging multiple clones with various symmetries, shifts, rotations, randomization, etc).

** Creation and editing of pattern fills. Sodipodi has only display support.

** Editing multi-stop gradients. Sodipodi has only display support.

** Intergration with Potrace, for tracing bitmap images to vectors. Sodipodi users can only use Potrace from the command line.

** Inkscape uses Pango for text and therefore better supports right-to-left and other non-Western scripts.

** Inkscape has more import and export formats (though many of them rely on external apps).

** Inkscape has a usable (but still unfinished) plugins and extensions support. Python extensions that are shipped with Inkscape do a lot of fun things.

** Inkscape shapes and shape tools have more options and controls.

** More path operations (Simplify, Cut path, Division).

** Offset (inset or outset) paths, including dynamic and linked offsets.

=== History ===

Inkscape forked from SodiPodi in late 2003. See [[InkscapeHistory]] for more information.

=== Screenshots ===

[http://www.sodipodi.com/index.php3?section=screenshots Sodipodi screenshots]

=== Links ===

[http://www.sodipodi.com/ Sodipodi Official site]

=== License ===

GNU General Public License (GPL)

Printing consensus poll

2006-04-26T18:42:18Z

EricWilhelm: uberconverter is now vectorsection

== Problem ==

Bryce has pointed out the #1 feature need for Inkscape right now is strong support for Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and Postscript (PS) in his [http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/forum.php?forum_id=36054&max_rows=25&style=flat&viewmonth=200511&viewday=30 2005.11.30 email] to the Inkscape mailing lists.
This [[ConsensusPoll]] exists to enable the community to efficiently create and commit to a plan of action to resolve this issue.

== Contract ==

* >= 20 inkscape enthusiasts
* >= 4 developers with commit access
* >= 95% yes
* all conditions in plan are met
* 72 hour GO timer
* 80% cloture

[[ContractExplanation]]

Because this contract defines what it means to participate in this poll it will never be changed. If it turns out to be inadequate, this poll must be canceled and a new poll with a new contract must be drafted.

== Yes-No Poll ==

Participation in this poll is open to anyone who wants to participate.

Voting yes in this poll means that you believe the community created plan is ready for implementation, and that you will do your part to support its execution. Voting no in this poll means that you have outstanding concerns about the community created plan. You can change your vote at any time. All votes are transparent so that those voting yes can listen to the concerns of those voting no.

No ... [[BrandonCsSanders]] - Success needs to be defined (e.g., if all 20 test cases are passed ...)
Yes... [[BryceHarrington]] - Let's do it
No ... [[AlexandreProkoudine]] - There is no plan yet
No ... [[ColinMarquardt]] - There is no plan yet
No ... [[EricWilhelm]] - The plan needs salt
No ... [[MenTaLguY]] - This isn't much of a plan...
No ... [[JonCruz]] - Plan? Not quite yet
No ... [[JonPhillips]] - no plan...
No ... [[NicuBuculei]] - so far the plan is weak
No ... [[RalfWStephan]] - Where are the test cases?
No ... [[AndyFitzsimon]] - I will also pledge $50 once someone defines how we do pledges.
No ... [[TuukkaPasanen]] - There isn't good plan yet.
No ... [[EricJonas]] - There is no plan
No ... [[AdibTaraben]] theAdib - There is no plan
No ... Martin Owens - There is a plan but it's pants.
Yes ....[[Corey Burger]] -plan, what plan?
No ... [[Gustavb]] - The plan is incomplete.

(If you are voting no because the plan is incomplete, please describe what you'd like to see added or changed.)

== Pledges ==

$50 ... [[BryceHarrington]] - I will pledge $50 once someone defines how we do pledges :-)
$50 ... [[AndyFitzsimon]] - I will also pledge $50 once someone defines how we do pledges.
€50 ... [[RalfWStephan]] - whenever the plan has succeeded
$50 ... [[BrandonCsSanders]] - once the plan is done
$100 ... [[EricJonas]] - Just let me know how to pledge

== Plan ==

# Describe the [[Current PDF Support]] and the known [[PDF bugs]]
# Identify [[Required PDF Support]]
# Assemble a few dozen examples to use as [[PDF test cases]]
# Document how each of the current [[PDF tools]] (potential starting points) performs on the suite of test cases
# Determine timeframe
## Start some time in early 2006?
## Expected completion some time in mid/late 2006?
# Select developer with the right skillset
## C[[/C]]++, XML
## PDF file format
## SVG file format
## Able to work under (U.S.) contract
## [[/Other]] skillset requirements?/
# Determine what funding is needed to enable them to complete the work
# Establish a contract with the selected developer to perform the work
# When the developer is done, verify that all test cases pass, then pay developer

== Background Information ==

* [[SOC_Original_Project_Prompts]]
* [[PrintingSubsystem]]
* [[Roadmap]] (Milestone 11) Import[[/Export]] Feature Enhancements

== Adequate Technical Solutions ==

What solutions would be fine?
* Library that integrates directly in to inkscape (and scribus, ...)
** Use [[Cairo]] as the presentation layer and use its support for pdf/ps
*** This may be a first step towards an eventual migration of the backend renderer to Cairo
** See [http://poppler.freedesktop.org/ Poppler] for PDF import.
*** [http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/poppler/2005-June/000428.html pdftosvg 1]
*** [http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/message.php?msg_id=14147945 pdftosvg 2]
*** [http://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/poppler/2005-December/001248.html pdftosvg 3]
** Pull out the scribus pdf support into a libpdf (libpdf name has already been used) that can be shared by both scribus and Inkscape
*** Requires conversion of Qt-isms into more neutral widgetset-independent style
* Extend an existing standalone (filter) tool that can be bundled with inkscape
** [http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/vectorsection/ VectorSection]
** [http://www.solidcode.net/pdf2svg/ pdf2svg]
** [http://www.sodipodi.com/index.php3?section=download/tools ill2svg]
** [http://www.xs4all.nl/~hanwen/public/software/ai2svg.py ai2svg]
** [http://www.accesspdf.com/pdftk/ pdftk]

== Possible Strategies ==

* Raise money and hire a developer to implement it
** Collect pledges, once we are over threshold collect funds (http://fundable.org/)
*** What should the threshhold be? $2000? $5000?
*** Still too early to decide what the threshold should be. We need to know how much it will cost first.
*** Fundable now charges a 10% fee from the amount collected
** Need to decide what the funds would be spent on ahead of time
*** 10-20% - Tester to collect test cases and put together a test suite for developer to use
*** 70-80% - Developer to write the code, document it, and make it pass the tests
*** 5-10% - Liaison to handle the paperwork, collect/distribute funds, track/report progress, and verify the work has been completed adequately
** Mercenaries that would do this for us?

*** [[BrandonCsSanders]] ... I'd do it for $2000, half up front, half once it meets spec. Caveat: it would take me six months to complete because my plate is pretty full right now and I'll be snatching a week here and a week there.
*** [[EricWilhelm]] ... This will be a lovely fit for the [[UberConverter]]. I'm guessing $5k would get it to about the same level as XAR and SVG in chromista. Caveat: Those aren't done yet. Check back in Jan. I would also be happy to oversee/direct the work of someone else wanting to write this as a pair of [[UberConverter]] connectors (crs2pdf, pdf2crs.)
*** /other mercenaries?/
* Hold a [http://www.usemod.com/cgi-bin/mb.pl?BarnRaising [[BarnRaising]]]
** at [http://RecentChangesCamp.org [[RecentChangesCamp]]] in Portland February 3-5
** other location/time?
* Wait for a volunteer to get inspired and just do it

== Questions[[/Brainstorms]] ==

* What about what inkscape earned through the Google Summer of Code? What's the status of this?
** $2000 earned; there has been no plan or consensus for what to use it for
* Does Cairo have PDF export already? What about to use cairo for just this job? and later then use cairo for the whole presentation layer? Instead of creating an interims solution?
** Yes, Cairo has PDF export capabilities; it's unknown if it's significantly better than our current (poor) pdf export functionality
** Cairo Postscript and PDF backends are still experimental and disabled by default in current stable release, but plan is to make them supported in next stable release, expected for the end of 2005. See [http://cvs.cairographics.org/*checkout*/cairo/ROADMAP Cairo ROADMAP]
** A way to test cairo capabilities would be to use librsvg HEAD. See Dom Lachowicz [http://www.advogato.org/person/cinamod/diary.html?start=91 blog entry].
* Investigate ps2ai, pstoedit and ai2svg conversion options (potential EPS support?)
* Import of native [[AdobeIllustrator]] files, which have been PDF based since Illustrator 10 (at least).
* Other [[PDF Bugs | Bugs and RFE's]] related to Import or Export?
* [[UberConverter]]
** Other than not yet being stable, this seems like a very good choice and provides lots of choices for import/export.
* Is direct import/export of PS or PDF really necessary? Or is transparant import/export a reasonable target? The main problem with the current implementation is the need for the users to deal with filter dependancies. A complete bundle of the most important filters would solve this. Filters have the advantages of allowing Inkscape to concentrate on what it does best, SVG, and allowing sophisticated users to insert specialized filters into existing pipelines.

Printing consensus poll

2005-12-11T22:07:43Z

EricWilhelm: link to pdftk

== Problem ==

Bryce has pointed out the #1 feature need for Inkscape right now is strong support for Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and Postscript (PS) in his 2005.11.30 email to the Inkscape mailing lists.
This ConsensusPoll exists to enable the community to efficiently create and commit to a plan of action to resolve this issue.

== Contract ==

* >= 20 inkscape enthusiasts
* >= 4 developers with commit access
* >= 95% yes
* all conditions in plan are met
* 72 hour GO timer
* 80% cloture

ContractExplanation

Because this contract defines what it means to participate in this poll it will never be changed. If it turns out to be inadequate, this poll must be canceled and a new poll with a new contract must be drafted.

== Yes/No Poll ==

Participation in this poll is open to anyone who wants to participate.

Voting yes in this poll means that you believe the community created plan is ready for implementation, and that you will do your part to support its execution. Voting no in this poll means that you have outstanding concerns about the community created plan. You can change your vote at any time. All votes are transparent so that those voting yes can listen to the concerns of those voting no.

No ... BrandonCsSanders - There is no plan yet
No ... BryceHarrington - I will pledge $50 once someone defines how we do pledges :-)
No ... AlexandreProkoudine - There is no plan yet
No ... ColinMarquardt - There is no plan yet
No ... EricWilhelm - The plan needs salt
No ... MenTaLguY - This isn't much of a plan...
No ... JonCruz - Plan? Not quite yet
No ... JonPhillips - no plan...
No ... NicuBuculei - so far the plan is weak
No ... RalfWStephan - isolated thoughts don't make a plan

(If you are voting no because the plan is incomplete, please describe what you'd like to see added or changed.)

== Plan ==

# Identify requirements
## What level of [[PDF support]]/features is required?
## What SVG features must be supported beyond the basics?
## Should the deliverable be a library, a stand alone tool, or ...?
## /Other questions about requirements?/
# Assemble a few dozen examples to use as [[PDF test cases]]
## /Please link sample PDF's here, that Inkscape currently cannot handle/
# Determine timeframe
## Start some time in early 2006?
## Expected completion some time in mid/late 2006?
# Select developer with the right skillset
## C/C++, XML
## PDF file format
## SVG file format
## Able to work under (U.S.) contract
## /Other skillset requirements?/
# Determine what funding is needed to enable them to complete the work
# Establish a contract with the selected developer to perform the work
# When the developer is done, verify that all test cases pass, then pay developer

== Background Information ==

* [[SOC_Original_Project_Prompts]]
* PrintingSubsystem
* [[Roadmap]] (Milestone 11) Import/Export Feature Enhancements
* [http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/uber-converter/ Uberconverter]
* [http://poppler.freedesktop.org/ Poppler] for PDF import.

== Adequate Technical Solutions ==

What solutions would be fine?
*

(Brandon - what is this section for? -- Bryce)

== Possible Strategies ==

* Raise money and hire a developer to implement it
** Collect pledges, once we are over threshold collect funds (http://fundable.org/)
*** What should the threshhold be? $2000? $5000?
** Need to decide what the funds would be spent on ahead of time
*** 10-20% - Tester to collect test cases and put together a test suite for developer to use
*** 70-80% - Developer to write the code, document it, and make it pass the tests
*** 5-10% - Liaison to handle the paperwork, collect/distribute funds, track/report progress, and verify the work has been completed adequately
** Mercenaries that would do this for us?
*** BrandonCsSanders ... I'd do it for $2000, half up front, half once it meets spec. Caveat: it would take me six months to complete because my plate is pretty full right now and I'll be snatching a week here and a week there.
*** EricWilhelm ... This will be a lovely fit for the UberConverter. I'm guessing $5k would get it to about the same level as XAR and SVG in chromista. Caveat: Those aren't done yet. Check back in Jan. I would also be happy to oversee/direct the work of someone else wanting to write this as a pair of UberConverter connectors (crs2pdf, pdf2crs.)
*** /other mercenaries?/
* Use [[Cairo]] as the presentation layer and use its support for pdf/ps
** See poppler
** This may be a first step towards an eventual migration of the backend renderer to Cairo
* Pull out the scribus pdf support into a libpdf that can be shared by both scribus and Inkscape
** Requires conversion of Qt-isms into more neutral widgetset-independent style
* PDF2SVG (http://www.solidcode.net/pdf2svg/)
* [http://www.accesspdf.com/pdftk/ pdftk]?
* /other strategies?/

== Questions/Brainstorms ==

* What about what inkscape earned through the Google Summer of Code? What's the status of this?
** $2000 earned; there has been no plan or concensus for what to use it for
* Does Cairo have PDF export already? What about to use cairo for just this job? and later then use cairo for the whole presentation layer? Instead of creating an interims solution?
** Yes, Cairo has PDF export capabilities; it's unknown if it's significantly better than our current (poor) pdf export functionality
** Cairo Postscript and PDF backends are still experimental and disabled by default in current stable release, but plan is to make them supported in next stable release, expected for the end of 2005. See Cairo ROADMAP: http://cvs.cairographics.org/*checkout*/cairo/ROADMAP
** A way to test cairo capabilities would be to use librsvg HEAD. See Dom Lachowicz blog entry http://www.advogato.org/person/cinamod/diary.html?start=91 .
* Investigate ps2ai, pstoedit and ai2svg conversion options (potential EPS support?)
* Import of native Adobe Illustrator files, which have been PDF based since Illustrator 10 (at least).
* Other RFE's related to Import or Export?
* Add extension for use of VDX2SVG (http://vdxtosvg.sourceforge.net/)
** (This is an unrelated file format... -- Bryce)
* UberConverter

* I'd like to suggest looking at Xpdf or ghostview as possible bases to
build a pdftosvg tool with. They both come with command line tools to
convert pdf files to other formats. - Ulf Erikson
** This is what we do currently iirc - Bryce

Printing consensus poll

2005-12-11T21:46:18Z

EricWilhelm: * put back link to PDF_support

== Problem ==

Bryce has pointed out the #1 feature need for Inkscape right now is strong support for Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and Postscript (PS) in his 2005.11.30 email to the Inkscape mailing lists.
This ConsensusPoll exists to enable the community to efficiently create and commit to a plan of action to resolve this issue.

== Contract ==

* >= 20 inkscape enthusiasts
* >= 4 developers with commit access
* >= 95% yes
* all conditions in plan are met
* 72 hour GO timer
* 80% cloture

ContractExplanation

Because this contract defines what it means to participate in this poll it will never be changed. If it turns out to be inadequate, this poll must be canceled and a new poll with a new contract must be drafted.

== Yes/No Poll ==

Participation in this poll is open to anyone who wants to participate.

Voting yes in this poll means that you believe the community created plan is ready for implementation, and that you will do your part to support its execution. Voting no in this poll means that you have outstanding concerns about the community created plan. You can change your vote at any time. All votes are transparent so that those voting yes can listen to the concerns of those voting no.

No ... BrandonCsSanders - There is no plan yet
No ... BryceHarrington - I will pledge $50 once someone defines how we do pledges :-)
No ... AlexandreProkoudine - There is no plan yet
No ... ColinMarquardt - There is no plan yet
No ... EricWilhelm - The plan needs salt
No ... MenTaLguY - This isn't much of a plan...
No ... JonCruz - Plan? Not quite yet
No ... JonPhillips - no plan...
No ... NicuBuculei - so far the plan is weak
No ... RalfWStephan - isolated thoughts don't make a plan

(If you are voting no because the plan is incomplete, please describe what you'd like to see added or changed.)

== Plan ==

# Identify requirements
## What level of [[PDF support]]/features is required?
## What SVG features must be supported beyond the basics?
## Should the deliverable be a library, a stand alone tool, or ...?
## /Other questions about requirements?/
# Assemble a few dozen examples to use as [[PDF test cases]]
## /Please link sample PDF's here, that Inkscape currently cannot handle/
# Determine timeframe
## Start some time in early 2006?
## Expected completion some time in mid/late 2006?
# Select developer with the right skillset
## C/C++, XML
## PDF file format
## SVG file format
## Able to work under (U.S.) contract
## /Other skillset requirements?/
# Determine what funding is needed to enable them to complete the work
# Establish a contract with the selected developer to perform the work
# When the developer is done, verify that all test cases pass, then pay developer

== Background Information ==

* [[SOC_Original_Project_Prompts]]
* PrintingSubsystem
* [[Roadmap]] (Milestone 11) Import/Export Feature Enhancements
* [http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/uber-converter/ Uberconverter]
* [http://poppler.freedesktop.org/ Poppler] for PDF import.

== Adequate Technical Solutions ==

What solutions would be fine?
*

(Brandon - what is this section for? -- Bryce)

== Possible Strategies ==

* Raise money and hire a developer to implement it
** Collect pledges, once we are over threshold collect funds (http://fundable.org/)
*** What should the threshhold be? $2000? $5000?
** Need to decide what the funds would be spent on ahead of time
*** 10-20% - Tester to collect test cases and put together a test suite for developer to use
*** 70-80% - Developer to write the code, document it, and make it pass the tests
*** 5-10% - Liaison to handle the paperwork, collect/distribute funds, track/report progress, and verify the work has been completed adequately
** Mercenaries that would do this for us?
*** BrandonCsSanders ... I'd do it for $2000, half up front, half once it meets spec. Caveat: it would take me six months to complete because my plate is pretty full right now and I'll be snatching a week here and a week there.
*** EricWilhelm ... This will be a lovely fit for the UberConverter. I'm guessing $5k would get it to about the same level as XAR and SVG in chromista. Caveat: Those aren't done yet. Check back in Jan. I would also be happy to oversee/direct the work of someone else wanting to write this as a pair of UberConverter connectors (crs2pdf, pdf2crs.)
*** /other mercenaries?/
* Use [[Cairo]] as the presentation layer and use its support for pdf/ps
** See poppler
** This may be a first step towards an eventual migration of the backend renderer to Cairo
* Pull out the scribus pdf support into a libpdf that can be shared by both scribus and Inkscape
** Requires conversion of Qt-isms into more neutral widgetset-independent style
* PDF2SVG (http://www.solidcode.net/pdf2svg/)
* /other strategies?/

== Questions/Brainstorms ==

* What about what inkscape earned through the Google Summer of Code? What's the status of this?
** $2000 earned; there has been no plan or concensus for what to use it for
* Does Cairo have PDF export already? What about to use cairo for just this job? and later then use cairo for the whole presentation layer? Instead of creating an interims solution?
** Yes, Cairo has PDF export capabilities; it's unknown if it's significantly better than our current (poor) pdf export functionality
** Cairo Postscript and PDF backends are still experimental and disabled by default in current stable release, but plan is to make them supported in next stable release, expected for the end of 2005. See Cairo ROADMAP: http://cvs.cairographics.org/*checkout*/cairo/ROADMAP
** A way to test cairo capabilities would be to use librsvg HEAD. See Dom Lachowicz blog entry http://www.advogato.org/person/cinamod/diary.html?start=91 .
* Investigate ps2ai, pstoedit and ai2svg conversion options (potential EPS support?)
* Import of native Adobe Illustrator files, which have been PDF based since Illustrator 10 (at least).
* Other RFE's related to Import or Export?
* Add extension for use of VDX2SVG (http://vdxtosvg.sourceforge.net/)
** (This is an unrelated file format... -- Bryce)
* UberConverter

* I'd like to suggest looking at Xpdf or ghostview as possible bases to
build a pdftosvg tool with. They both come with command line tools to
convert pdf files to other formats. - Ulf Erikson
** This is what we do currently iirc - Bryce

PDF Support

2005-12-11T07:41:17Z

EricWilhelm: notes about multi-page pdf's and rendering model comparison chart

This page identifies exactly what sort of PDF support Inkscape needs. This information is essential to complete the plan for the PrintingConsensusPoll.

* Arbitrary .pdf and .ps files can be opened or imported directly into an inkscape document in exactly the way that .svg files are imported.
** All shapes are editable
** All text is rendered in the same font as the original .pdf
** All text is appropriately sequential (multi-column pdfs are handled correctly)
** Arbitrary "page to import" is selectable for multi-page documents.
* Arbitrary .svg files can be "saved as" .pdf files
** What does the .pdf rendering model have that .svg does not?
** What does the .svg rendering model have that .pdf does not?
** Perhaps you would like to help EricWilhelm fill-out this table: [http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/uber-converter/chromista_features.html xar/svg/ps/pdf/crs features] (contact me to get the YAML source)
* Hyperlinks in the PDF file are preserved in the SVG.
* Exporting the SVG to .png produces a pixel accurate ...
* ... please refactor and refine ...

VectorSection

2005-12-10T18:39:21Z

EricWilhelm: all obout the uber-converter

[http://scratchcomputing.com/projects/uber-converter/ UberConverter project page]

The UberConverter is an open-source collection of programs which form a universal vector-graphics translation system. By using hubs to collect formats fitting similar paradigms and then bridging between the hubs, we are able to achieve both a high-quality translation and a high level of code reuse.

Connectors may be written in any language because the hubs are all YAML data-structures.