Inkscape filters are a way to apply complex bitmap processing algorithms to the objects in your drawing. True to the vector spirit, filters are nondestructive: You can always change the parameters of any filter, and the original vector object remains fully editable. Examples of what filters can do include blurring, sharpening, color adjustments, adding texture, various distortions, 3D-like effects such as bevels, and many others. Moreover, you can combine filters into arbitrarily complex filter stacks.
SVG filters (as defined by the SVG standard and implemented by Inkscape) are extremely powerful; a whole book could be written on their uses and capabilities. Unfortunately, they can also be quite technical, especially if you’re trying to compose your own filter stacks. Therefore, in this chapter, we will start by looking at some simple ways to use filters, such as the Blur control (17.1 Blur) and preset filter effects (17.3 Preset Filters). Then, for those who seek more flexibility and are not afraid to go technical, we will discuss the powerful Filter Editor dialog (17.4 The Filter Editor Dialog), which enables you to create your own filter stacks from standard filter primitives.