Help Please w/ Opening in Scal!

[bstreeter]

I would really appreciate any opinions on what I could be doing wrong. I use the exact same method of importing a simple basic clipart shape into Inkscape, Trace Bitmap, select object (union if there are more than one layers), and then save as Inkscape .svg. This has always worked when importing into SCAL. Now I am opening up files in SCAL and there is no image, just a blank box. I don't understand why some will show up and others won't because I always use the exact same method.
I know it's a longshot, but does anyone know what the problem could be???

I am having this same problem. I saved a pdf file as an svg, but when I import into SCAL I get a dreaded blank box. I am new with this, but I feel like I have tried everything suggested and nothing seems to help. I am adding my file---could someone possibly take a look at it and see if they can figure out what I'm doing wrong? Please?

[AnointedHands]

I couldn't get it to work either so I just recreated it.

I exported it as a bitmap-File>Export and then opened and traced in SCAL. I never work with pdf files in INK...seems like a lot of trouble to me and I can get it done faster by exporting and tracing.

File attached.

[bstreeter]

Thank you so much AnnointedHands! I am not really certain how you did it (I tried to do what you explained, but I don't think I really know what I'm doing so it didn't work) Thank you Thank you!!

[wreed06]

AnointedHands - I followed what you said, but my version was not anywhere as smooth as yours. Mine has very pixel-ated edges, not smooth like yours. When you exported, did you use .png file type? What thresholds did you use? I'm only asking from a learning standpoint. Thanks!

[wreed06]

Amy, When you have a version you like, could you please post the owl in SVG -> Animals? (We don't have a birds folder). Please put Owl in the subject. This will help for future retrieval. Thanks!

[AnointedHands]

I don't remember the value but if it is not what you want when you trace, delete the traced image, select the original, increase the value and trace again....trial and error many times.

Yes, it was a png file.

[Trevetteb]

There are alternatives to INK but they are costly. There is Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Funtime and probably others.

What type of image are you opening in INK? That might be part of the problem. Not all images are converted the same way. If it is a wmf, there are other steps you will need to do before it can open in SCAL. wmf are grouped so they would have to be ungrouped. A grouped object will not show in SCAL.

We are throwing out suggestions but we don't have enough info.

I have heard of Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw, but I was wondering if they are easier to use than INK?

[AnointedHands]

If you are comfortable working with vector-based graphics, you will find they are all the same. I have worked with CorelDraw and I had no problems adjusting to INK. I didn't use Corel to the extent that I am using INK so I can not say if it is easier. There are steps needed to make the cut go easier once you import it into SCAL. Such commands as Break Apart, Combine, Union, etc, all make the cut smoother once imported.

If you already have the software you mentioned, try it to see how it works.

Althea