Make Your Logos Look 3D Without 3D Modeling

How to use the Inkscape's Gradient Mesh Tool for creating 3D object with depth.

The video shows that creating an object with a 3D effect and some depth does not have to be difficult with Inkscape (or any available vector graphics tool).

Using traditional linear gradients always resulted in a flat-looking design that lacks appeal and professionalism... that is until I discovered Inkscape's latest Gradient Mess Feature on version 0.92.

Inkscape has had the Gradient Mess Tool since 0.48, but always needed to be enabled manually to show up on the interface... which I also show how to do.

In this example, we take an image of a blue sphere (much like a billards ball) and try replicating it in vector graphics.

Before we can do any of this we need to activate the Gradient Mesh tool by following these commands.

1) Edit - Preferences
2) On the left of the pop-up, click "Keyboard Shortcuts"
3) Filter by typing "Mesh" on the search box.
4) Click on "Context" to drop the menu down.
5) Locate "Mesh" and click on "Shortcut" (the words "New Accelerator" will appear)
6) This is where you type your shortcut key (for example, "x")

This means the next time you open up Inkscape and type "x" on your keyboard, the Gradient Mesh Feature will show on the User Interface.

For more information watch the rest of the video.

[shillionaire]

Good vid. Speaking of shortcuts you can hit D for dropper when selecting colors. Also I would start from top left or something to avoid missing nodes. All around good guide though. Thanks!

[tomelegeert]

Why do you not use the radial gradient? Works fine for me and much faster

[glenadams]

Why create a video someone else already has? Just doesn't make a lot of sense.