Very Basic Issues/Questions re: Inkscape

[scrapperdipper]

I am just starting out with Inkscape, and I'm using it on a Mac (not sure whether that matters or not). I am having a lot of problems. The tutorials have helped tremendously, but I'm still struggling. I'm interested in taking jpeg and gif files and making them into svg files for the Sure Cuts a Lot (SCAL) software. Here's where I'm having issues.....

1) I can't get any jpeg files to open up in Inkscape at all. I don't get any errors, but I don't get any pictures either.
2) GIF files open up in Inkscape, but I must be doing something wrong when I save them to svg files because SCAL doesn't show them when I open them up there.

I'm pretty close to pulling my hair out (and that would be bad since it's pretty good at falling out on its own already). Any help would really be appreciated.

Thanks so much!!!

[GrammyKrausse]

I'll see If I can help a little.

One thing to remember in all steps you need to use the select tool ( the offset arrow in the toolbar) and select all images.


You go to file "import' the jpg.

You go to edit make bitmap (at this point you will have one image ontop of another, seperate the two and delete the bottom image)

You go to view and select display mode and at that point you chose outline, now you will have a blank box with a red x.

You go to path trace bitmap, you wlll have a pop up screen and change the thresholds to the setting you want. When I first started I used the default settings til I got use to playing with it. on this screen choose update. You will see a vague image in the box that looks like your original and see your original has changed with a big red x. Close the popup, move the red x off to the side and delete the X

Then you go to path again and chose break apart, you should have shadow and different sections to seperate.

Now all this is general instructions. There are after you practice awhile other instructions on cleaning up your nodes and color picking. After you practice awhile let me know and I'll help you further. It is really really easy and you might not have to have my help. If I can figure it out I'm sure you and others can too.
Grammy

[scrapperdipper]

OMG Grammy. Thanks so much. I'm going to go give your instructions a try. I knew that it was user error. Thanks again. I really appreciate your help, and I'm sure I'm going to need more help in the future.

[GrammyKrausse]

I forgot a few things and have already changed the instructions to match but one thing I didn't mention. Every once in a while if the image is too large it may not import. I use my graphics software, in my instance it's Paint shop Pro X! but you can use any graphics software to resize your image. Photo shop and others have the capability to resize. Have a good time playing
Grammy

[littlestuff]

GrammyKrausse On my goodness! I have been trying to get this thing to work all day. Just followed your instructions and it worked for me. Cutting was very slow and stopped before cut was complete, but I have come this far. Thank you so very much. Think I will go to bed as my eyes have had enough for one day. I sure appreciate your help. God bless.

Joni

[GrammyKrausse]

Your very welcome! And it gets easier. You'll find that the sharper the line image is the easier and making them will be faster. Not for sure why the Cricut is slower but when you can get these great designs it's well worth the tradeoff. Have fun!
Grammy

[M.J.]

I have yet to work with Inkscape on my own. I tried this morning and thank heavens for these instructions - THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH.