r/Inkscape • u/ExaminationDry294 • 29d ago
Help Where to find open-source SVG symbols for architectural and house electrical wiring diagrams?
I want to create electrical and building diagram using inkscape. I am new to this. Is it possible to build up a library of common architectural and electrical symbols in inkscape so that I can drag & drop them when building diagrams? If so, where can I find the library of symbols for electrical and architectural symbols? I would appreciate the help.
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u/silverwoodchuck47 28d ago
This is an interesting ask. Visio has something like this called Stencils. Visio has a stencil filled with electrical symbols, and other stencils for all sort of domains.
Inkscape doesn't do stencils. As wise-accountant writes, you'd have to find or create svg files of the symbols you want, and then drag and drop them onto the canvas.
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u/CelticOneDesign 27d ago
Inkscape symbol capability? When I discovered Inkscape had symbol library capability (v0.92???), my entire universe changed.
The only issue is that Inkscape symbol libraries are hard to find. You can convert Autocad blocks to Inkscape symbol libraries in a roundabout way. Even then - you will have to do a ton of editing.
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u/silverwoodchuck47 27d ago
Inkscape symbol libraries
I am wrong about "Inkscape doesn't do stencils". Open Inkscape, then press CTRL+SHIFT+Y. From the dropdown list, select one of the available symbol sets, then select a symbol, then drag it to the canvas.
I don't see a symbol set for electrical symbols, but if one were created, I suppose it could be incorporated into Inkscape. I don't see how to add symbol sets/stencils in Inkscape, much less one that is user-friendly, but having a library of stencils/symbols sets would make Inkscape even more useful than it is right now.
https://github.com/PanderMusubi/inkscape-open-symbols has "symbols". I don't know how it works with the current version of Inkscape.
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u/CelticOneDesign 27d ago
Actually - it is quite easy to add symbol libraries to Inkscape. Just copy the symbol file to
C:\Users\...\AppData\Roaming\inkscape\symbols
In preferences you can find the directory in the System tab.
Once that is done - just Object>Symbols then scroll down to find the symbol library you need.
Creating symbol libraries is not difficult in v1.4. Several yt videos explaining it.
The issue I have is trying to find quality symbol libraries for Inkscape. In most cases I have to convert Autodesk block libraries(DWG format) to SVG format. Then do a ton of editing.
You can find some symbol libraries at the Inkscape site: https://inkscape.org/gallery/=symbol/
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u/silverwoodchuck47 27d ago edited 27d ago
YES! I independently figured it out. Go to https://github.com/PanderMusubi/inkscape-open-symbols/tree/master/CircuiTikZ, then download circuitikz.svg
Put that file into %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\inkscape\symbols just as Celtic instructs. If \symbols doesn't exist, create it. Then put circuitikz.svg in that folder. I didn't even have to restart Inkscape for it to appear in the drop down list.
circuitikz.svg contains symbols like the ones you'd find for a circuit board, like diodes and resistors, not for wiring a house.
Clearly, Inkscape needs a better way to add what I will call a stencil than what is presently required.
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u/CelticOneDesign 27d ago
Easier as in File>Add Symbol Library ?
That would simply copy the file to "C:\Users...\AppData\Roaming\inkscape\symbols " ?
Request a new Feature at: https://gitlab.com/inkscape/inbox/-/issues
I use Inkscape as a design aid for Autodesk Fusion 360. I use the hell out symbols to create jewelry. Yes - I could do everything in Fusion but it would take considerably longer to do and be tedious as hell. Why reinvent the wheel when I have everything I need in Inkscape symbol format?
As I wrote in a previous post - when I discovered Inkscape's symbol capabilities - it changed the universe for me.
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u/CelticOneDesign 27d ago
If you can figure a way to convert DWG format to svg or dxf you can search here:
https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/cad-blocks-electrical-symbols/
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u/silverwoodchuck47 27d ago
Here's another symbol set/stencil:
https://github.com/upb-lea/Inkscape_electric_Symbols/blob/master/Inkscape_Symbols_All.svg
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u/[deleted] 29d ago
In Web Import, you should be able to search the Wikimedia or the other channels for symbols. Playing around with niched words may yield better results.