cleaning up an image in inscape?

[nsanhueza]

Sorry if this has been addressed already. I couldn't find an answer and I am just trying to figure out inkscape. I found a pic I liked, traced the bitmap and got the image I wanted. There is lettering on it that I do not want. How do I remove that? Also how can I fill in the whole shape in black to make a shadow? Thanks for your help. I would attach the pic to show you what I mean...if I knew how!

[firstcut]

Select your image and then Path.Break apart. Then select the lettering you don't want and delete it. The easiest way to make a shadow is to import the file into Inkscape twice and on one of the copies select blackout as the shape style (pull down where it says normal). This doesn't always work...depends on the image. If it doesn't work you can use the paint bucket. I have a video tutorial that will show you how to do that here:
http://cleversomeday.wordpress.com/2009 ... -inkscape/

[nsanhueza]

I will definately watch the video. I am still trying to get rid of the writing. I tried path-break apart-select-delete ....what tool should I be clicked on?

[firstcut]

After you break apart, click somewhere away from the image to deselect everything and then click on the words with the regular arrow tool (at the top of the tool palette) first. If that doesn't work you may have to use the node tool (the one beneath the regular arrow). Click and drag to surround and select all the nodes in the word and then delete.

[nsanhueza]

Thanks! That worked...however, is there a reason that when I hit "break apart" the image is all black? Please tell me this program gets easier! I was all excited to get my SCAL and now it seems like I need to be a computer genius to do anything!

[Tingha Treasures]

Hope the videos a help there are several tutorials and more videos. Hey it may take a little time but its well worth getting to know Inkscape and people on this forum always lend a hand.

[firstcut]

The image turns black because now it is a closed path (instead of a bordering element) and you have fill set to black. Click the white square on the color bar below or better yet, just work in outline mode. View>Display mode>Outline View. Soon you'll get the hang of looking at things from a cutting standpoint where fills don't matter.