In addition to everything we’ve seen so far, you can use Inkscape to create simple technical drawings. Let’s try drawing an isometric image of a cross-section of an engine part (Figure 23-13). Inkscape does not intend to replace a real computer-aided design (CAD) application. It may be more straightforward to create such a technical drawing in a CAD program—but only if you have it and know how to use it. In most other cases, Inkscape is a natural choice due to its graphic power and versatility that can make your drawings not only precise but also visually impressive.
The key to creating such technical drawings in Inkscape is to use grids (7.2 Grids), snapping (7.3 Snapping), transforming by numbers (6.6 Transforming with Numbers: X, Y, W, and H), and shapes, especially rectangles (11.2 Rectangles). As you will see in this tutorial, a combination of these functions makes it possible to create the entire drawing without ever once adjusting anything by hand or approximating shapes or positions: Every object, handle, and node just snaps into its place tightly and precisely. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to produce similar drafts quickly and effortlessly.