In Inkscape, you duplicate an object or selection quickly and easily using the Duplicate command.
Understanding the Duplicate Command
The primary way to duplicate in Inkscape is designed for efficiency, combining the actions of copying and pasting into a single step.
Based on the provided information, here's how it works:
- Action: Duplicates the currently selected object(s).
- Method:
- Using a Keyboard Shortcut
- Using the Menu Command
- Result: A new copy of the object(s) is created and placed exactly on top of the original. The new object(s) are then automatically selected, ready for you to move or transform them immediately.
How to Duplicate an Object
Here are the two main ways to duplicate in Inkscape:
Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut
- Select the object(s) you want to duplicate using the Selector tool (S).
- Press Ctrl + D on your keyboard.
A duplicate of the selected object(s) appears directly on top of the original(s). The duplicate is now selected.
Method 2: Using the Menu
- Select the object(s) you want to duplicate using the Selector tool (S).
- Go to the Edit menu at the top of the window.
- Click on Duplicate.
Just like the shortcut, this creates a copy exactly in the original position, and the new copy is selected.
Duplicate vs. Copy and Paste
While Copy (Ctrl+C) and Paste (Ctrl+V) also create copies, Duplicate (Ctrl+D) offers a distinct advantage for specific workflows because it places the copy directly over the original.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Duplicate (Ctrl + D) |
Copy (Ctrl + C) then Paste (Ctrl + V) |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Copy and paste in one step | Separate copy and paste steps |
| New Object Position | Exactly on top of original | Often offset from original (depends on paste method) |
| Selected After Action | The new object(s) | Typically the original object remains selected (default Paste) |
Why Use Duplicate?
Duplicating in place is extremely useful for many design tasks, such as:
- Creating symmetrical designs by flipping or rotating a duplicate.
- Making slight variations of an object without changing its position.
- Building complex shapes by applying transformations (like scaling or skewing) to a duplicate layered precisely over the original.
- Easily creating outlines or shadows by duplicating, changing the style (fill/stroke), and potentially moving the duplicate slightly.
By using Ctrl + D or Edit > Duplicate, you efficiently create a copy positioned perfectly for subsequent manipulations.
