need the ability for true dashed lines

Asked by Thyme

I am distributor for a new cutter plotter that is using Inkscape as the design software. we have hit one problem so far which is the ability to create dashed lines. if we use the dashed lines feature and then use stroke to path the shape created is actually a rectangle rather than a line.
We have been given a way of doing this by Kelan ( Many thanks) but would like to know if there is any chance of a simpler automated way of doing this and if it is likely to be something written into future versions. The plotter community interested in Inkscape is rapidly growing and it would be of benefit to all of them.

This is Kelans method
   1. Draw the line.
   2. Switch to the :tool_node: node tool.
   3. Select all to select both nodes.
   4. Press Insert a number of times. Each time you press it, a new node will be added between every two existing nodes, essentially doubling the number of nodes. Keep pressing Insert until you have the desired number of dashes.
   5. Here's the tedious part, because you have to do each segment individually. Select a segment between two nodes (ie, click the actual line segment), and then press the "split path between two non-endpoint nodes" icon on the toolbar. The icon looks like two nodes joined by a segment on top, pointing to two nodes unjoined below.
   6. Now do the same for each segment you want to remove.

You'll end up with a dashed line, and not a bunch of small rectangles. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a keyboard shortcut for split path, which would make this operation much faster.

If you do need the dashes to be a specific distance apart, you can replace step 4 with this: Go to the Effects menu, Modify Path submenu, Add Nodes option. That lets you specify the distance between the nodes. Note that the last segment of the line might not be the correct length unless the line length is an exact multiple of the distance you specified. After the nodes are added, proceed with the rest of the steps above.

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pbhj
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pbhj (pbhj) said :
#1

What's wrong with using the dashes settings under the Stroke Style tab of the Fill and Stroke dialog (Ctr-Shift-f) ?

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Thyme (dawn-thymegraphics) said :
#2

Because unless the line is then converted from Stroke to Path it is read as a solid line by the plotter, but if the line is converted from stroke to path it produces a series of rectangles rather than dashes. We would love the ability to just use the dashes settings, and this is what I am hoping we will be able to do if someone can find a method that would work with the plotters.

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Best pbhj (pbhj) said :
#3

What's the difference between a rectangle and a dash? (honest question) Do you mean you want lots of individual little path sections (two nodes with path) along a master line? Perhaps pattern on path (any path) or clone tool (probably only for straight lines or possibly spirals) would do that?

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Thyme (dawn-thymegraphics) said :
#4

Visually very little if the rectangle is thin enough.
But it makes a difference when we send the info to our cutter/plotters because the "dash" is cut twice and this makes a mess.
HOWEVER, you solved it, the pattern along path works perfectly - thank you!!

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pbhj (pbhj) said :
#5

[I'd love a professionally cut backstamp for my clay pots - is that the sort of thing you do - I'm at <email address hidden>. Please ignore if you find this inappropriate.]

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Thyme (dawn-thymegraphics) said :
#6

Yes, I can do this - email on its way to you

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Alvin Penner (apenner) said :
#7

an extension to do this has been submitted as part of Bug 374574.
the code is available at : https://bugs.launchpad.net/inkscape/+bug/374574

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Thyme (dawn-thymegraphics) said :
#8

Alvin, just wanted to say that this is absolutely brilliant for us, its just what we wanted - THANK YOU!