Hi,

I'm new to Inkscape and starting from scratch. I'm trying to learn how (step by step) to cut out part of an image. I've watched some tutorials, but I seem to be missing a step. Can someone guide me through this?

I've learned how to draw a line around the part I want to keep, but at the point I clip it out I can't seem to do it.

Thanks

Maybe you have seen this:
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... pping.html

I did check that out, but I'm still having problems. Sorry (old dog/new tricks).

Take a look at Part 13 of my tutorial series for a slightly more step-by-step description.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=11981

Thanks Xav, sorry to say I'm still not getting it.

1. Open the image you want to clip.
2. Make sure it is one object -if the image is not made up by one embedded raster image only, but many graphical content like a clipart, select all (Ctrl+A and group them together (Ctrl+G).
3. Draw the clipping area with the pen tool.
   Important note, for the clipping area you need one, continuous, closed path around the right part.
   The graphical appearance, stroke attributes, fills are not important. For practical reasons you may use a red fill with 50% opacity and no strokes. You can set it in the fill and stroke tab (Shift+Ctrl+F).
   You just cannot use individual paths to draw each edges of the area, nor a group of such paths.
   Alternatively you can draw a rectangle for that with the rectangle tool and preferably convert that to a path (Ctrl+Shift+C).
   (Converting it to a path manually is not necessary. But once you hit set clipping it will eventually be converted to a path. So this step is only here to ensure that you are using a closed path in the making, for less confusion.)
4. Make sure that path is above the other object -group- and that it is not part of any groups.
   -Keep an eye to the bottom indication, it should read something like =path in layer root or path in layer 1;
   the object to be clipped should also be on the same layer for practical reasons.
5. select both objects -bottom should say something like "two objects selected in layer 1, a path and a group
6. set clipping

.


Shouldn't be that complicated, but there are a number of things you can go wrong as listed above. The document's structure, the z-ordering of the objects and the way how the clipping area is drawn is related, depending on your drawing.

To add to Lazur's description above, I would suggest starting with one of Inkscape's basic shapes (rectangle, ellipse, star) as the clipping path. For your first efforts you don't need to convert it to a path first, but once you're confident I *always* recommend doing that conversion as the clipping path can then be edited with the node tool without having to release the clip first.

Thanks for all the information. I've been playing around with it and I think I've stumbled across how to do it. It's seems to be a pretty sharp learning curve, especially since I've got no background in graphic design. Words like "path", "layers", etc. are all new to me. Maybe in time...

Inkscape is super usable IMO, the best there is for vector graphics, so I think you can learn quickly to achieve what you want. The biggest issue is the terminology and overall approach to things. Maybe having one on one chat with someone would help you with that. There is a room for Inkscape on IRC chat, or maybe you know some Inkscape users you can call on the phone?

drd217 wrote:It's seems to be a pretty sharp learning curve, especially since I've got no background in graphic design. Words like "path", "layers", etc. are all new to me. Maybe in time...

It might be worth going through the earlier tutorials in my series. It starts from a very basic point (how to draw an ellipse), and will introduce you to some of the key concepts of vector graphics and Inkscape.

Good reminder Xav. I checked out Part 1 just to get me going. I've looked online for an "alternate" free version that makes all of this "easy" for me, but I see there are no shortcuts. But that's okay. I'm starting a new business in selling custom print jobs locally in my area and quickly realize I'm going to have to have some design skills to keep customers happy. So we'll keep trudging along. I'm trying to learn new inkscape skills as the need arises, one at a time.

I didn't realize there was a chat function in inkscape. Thanks for that, I'll definitely have to do that.

Appreciate all the assistance.

The Chat can be accessed from here (if you're logged in): https://inkscape.org/en/community/chat/