How to Change Fill Color in Inkscape

Changing the fill color of an object in Inkscape is a fundamental skill for creating vector graphics. This guide provides a quick overview of the primary methods to modify an object’s internal color, including using the Fill and Stroke dialog, the bottom Color Palette, and the Dropper tool. Whether you are a beginner or looking to streamline your workflow, these steps will help you efficiently manage object colors in your projects.

Method 1: The Bottom Color Palette

The quickest way to change an object’s fill color is by using the swatches at the bottom of the Inkscape interface.

  1. Select the object using the Select and Transform Objects tool (shortcut: S or F1).
  2. Left-click on any color swatch in the palette at the bottom of the screen. The interior of the object will instantly update to the selected color.
  3. To remove the fill entirely, click the X icon at the far left of the color palette.

Method 2: The Fill and Stroke Dialog

For precise color adjustments, advanced gradients, or entering specific color codes (like HEX or RGBA), the Fill and Stroke panel is the best tool.

  1. Select your object.
  2. Open the panel by navigating to Object > Fill and Stroke, or use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F (Mac: Cmd + Shift + F).
  3. Ensure you are on the Fill tab.
  4. Choose your color fill type (e.g., flat color, linear gradient, or radial gradient) from the icons at the top of the tab.
  5. Use the color wheel, sliders, or the RGBA/HEX text box to select or type in your exact desired color.

Method 3: The Dropper Tool

If you want to sample a color from an existing image or another object within your workspace, the Dropper tool is ideal.

  1. Select the object you wish to color.
  2. Switch to the Dropper tool from the left toolbar, or press D on your keyboard.
  3. Click on the color anywhere in your workspace that you want to copy. The selected object’s fill will automatically match the sampled color.