Inkscape has built-in mirror and symmetry features, but they work differently depending on what you're trying to do

Inkscape does not have a single "symmetry extension" that automatically mirrors your work as you draw. Instead, it offers two separate tools: the Flip tool for creating mirror copies of finished objects, and symmetry mode for drawing symmetrical shapes in real time. The Flip tool is in the main toolbar and works on any selected object. Symmetry mode is found under the Tools menu and lets you draw on one side while the other side mirrors automatically.

If you need more advanced symmetry options — like radial symmetry, multiple axes, or live symmetry updates — you can install third-party extensions. The most common is the Symmetry extension, available through Inkscape's extension manager or from the official repository. This guide covers both the built-in options and how to find extensions if you need them.

Key Takeaways

  • The Flip tool in Inkscape's main toolbar mirrors any selected object horizontally or vertically without creating a live connection.
  • Symmetry mode, found under Tools > Symmetry, lets you draw on one side of an axis and see the mirror appear automatically on the other side.
  • Extensions like the Symmetry extension add radial symmetry, multiple mirror axes, and other options not available in the core tools.
  • Symmetry mode works best for organic shapes and freehand drawing, while the Flip tool is better for duplicating finished objects.

Using the Flip Tool for Simple Mirroring

The Flip tool is the fastest way to mirror an object you have already drawn. Select the object, then click the Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical button in the toolbar on the left side of the screen. The object flips instantly around its center point. If you want to flip around a different axis, you can move the object's center point first by clicking the center crosshair and dragging it to a new location.

The Flip tool creates a static copy — the two halves do not stay connected. If you change one side later, the other side does not update. To create a true mirror pair that stays linked, you need either symmetry mode or an extension. The Flip tool is best for one-time mirroring of finished shapes, logos, or decorative elements.

Drawing with Symmetry Mode

Symmetry mode lets you draw on one side of a mirror line and watch the other side draw itself. Open the Tools menu, select Symmetry, and a new panel appears on the right side of the screen. You will see options for the number of axes and the angle. By default it is set to one vertical axis, which mirrors left and right.

Once symmetry mode is active, select any drawing tool — the pencil, pen, or paintbrush — and draw on one side of the axis line. Your strokes appear on both sides at the same time. You can change the axis angle or add more axes before you start drawing. Symmetry mode works with any tool that creates paths or shapes, making it useful for designing logos, faces, or anything that needs to be perfectly balanced.

To turn off symmetry mode, click the X button on the Symmetry panel or select a different tool from the Tools menu. Your drawing stays in place; symmetry mode just stops mirroring new strokes.

Installing and Using Symmetry Extensions

If the built-in symmetry mode does not meet your needs, extensions add more options. The most widely used is the Symmetry extension, which offers radial symmetry (mirroring around a center point like a mandala), multiple axes at once, and more control over how the mirror works. To install it, open Inkscape and go to Extensions > Manage Extensions. Search for "Symmetry" and click Install if it appears in the list.

If the extension does not show up in the manager, you can download it manually from the official Inkscape extensions repository at inkscape.org/gallery/. Download the .py file, then place it in your Inkscape extensions folder. On Windows, this is usually C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\extensions. On Mac, it is /Applications/Inkscape.app/Contents/Resources/extensions. On Linux, check ~/.config/inkscape/extensions. Restart Inkscape after adding the file.

Radial Symmetry for Circular Patterns

Radial symmetry creates mirror copies arranged around a center point, useful for mandalas, flowers, or circular logos. Some extensions provide this directly; others require you to use the Flip tool multiple times at different angles. If you have installed a radial symmetry extension, it usually appears under Extensions > Render or Extensions > Symmetry in the menu.

To use it, draw your shape, select it, then open the extension. Set the number of copies (usually called "repetitions" or "sides") and the center point. The extension creates mirrored copies arranged in a circle around that point. Unlike the built-in symmetry mode, this happens after you draw, not while you draw. It is best for finishing a design rather than building it in real time.

Combining Flip and Symmetry for Complex Designs

Many designers use both tools together. Start with symmetry mode to draw one half of a shape, then use the Flip tool to create the other half if symmetry mode is not giving you the result you want. You can also draw a quarter of a design in symmetry mode, then flip it twice to create a full symmetrical pattern.

This hybrid approach is especially useful when you are working with complex paths or when you want to adjust one side without affecting the other. Draw the first half symmetrically, break the symmetry connection if needed, then flip the result to complete the design. Inkscape does not lock you into one method — you can switch between tools as your design evolves.

Troubleshooting Symmetry Problems

If symmetry mode is not mirroring your strokes, check that the axis line is visible and that you are drawing on the correct side of it. The axis appears as a thin line on your canvas. If it is not visible, the symmetry panel may have closed; reopen it from Tools > Symmetry. Also make sure you are using a drawing tool like the pencil or pen, not a selection tool.

If an extension does not appear in the menu after installation, Inkscape may not have restarted properly. Close Inkscape completely and open it again. If it still does not show up, check that the file is in the correct extensions folder and that the filename ends in .py. Some extensions also require Python to be installed on your system; if that is the case, the extension documentation will say so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror text in Inkscape?

Yes, the Flip tool works on text objects. Select the text and click Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical. If you want the text to be readable after flipping, convert it to a path first by going to Text > Convert to Path, then flip it. This prevents the letters from appearing backwards.

Does symmetry mode work with the paintbrush tool?

Yes, symmetry mode works with the paintbrush, pencil, and pen tools. It does not work with the selection tool or shape tools like the rectangle or circle. If you want symmetrical shapes, draw them with the pen tool while symmetry mode is active.

What is the difference between flipping and mirroring?

In Inkscape, "flip" and "mirror" are used interchangeably. The Flip tool creates a reversed copy. Symmetry mode and extensions create live or semi-live mirroring where both sides update together. Flip is one-time; symmetry is ongoing.

Can I have multiple symmetry axes at the same time?

The built-in symmetry mode supports one axis at a time. Some extensions allow multiple axes — check the extension's documentation to see if it offers this feature. You can also manually create multiple axes by using the Flip tool several times at different angles.

Where do I find the symmetry axis line on my canvas?

The axis line appears as a thin line running through your canvas when symmetry mode is active. You can drag it to reposition it or rotate it by dragging the circular handle at the end. If you cannot see it, the Symmetry panel may be closed; reopen it from Tools > Symmetry.