I've got a sketch that I want to add colour to using Inkscape. You can see it here: http://flickr.com/photos/hellocatfood/2909769578/

I've already tried using the trace bitmap function but it slows Inkscape to a halt. Can you provide any advice on whether I can reduce the number of nodes or is it just work redrawing it again in inskape?

Well, I guess both methods can work.

With tracing, you can lower the nodes by about 400 by opening the Trace bitmap Dialog (Shift + Alt + B or Path -> Trace Bitmap).
In the Dialog, you'll notice a tab that says 'Options', select it.
Look for 'Optimize Paths' and make sure it is checked. In the value box next to it, give it a value of 5.00
Now trace the bitmap.

I doubt this will make a huge performance difference but worth a shot I guess. You can also simplify the path afterwards by selecting the path and going to Path -> Simplify (Ctrl + L). Although this might reduce the amount of nodes by about 60%, it will also deform the path quite a bit.

Just out of curiosity, how do you plan on colouring the whole image? (Are you going to redraw each area and give it a fill or use the paint bucket tool?). If dowing the former, then re-drawing might not be such a bad idea. (Paint Bucket tool takes a lot of time to work for me)
Re-drawing everything might take longer, but it will probably be easier to colour since each area would already be a shape, and all you'd have to do would be specify the colour.

Personally, I'd redraw everything mainly because of my enmity with the fill bucket tool, but the choice is up to you. If the optimized trace is still too slow then I guess you'll have to redraw

Btw, thats some cool art you got there

hellocatfood wrote:I've already tried using the trace bitmap function but it slows Inkscape to a halt. Can you provide any advice on whether I can reduce the number of nodes or is it just work redrawing it again in inskape?

I can't explain why it would halt. I was able to trace the image in an instant. A slower PC may be slower but I wouldn't expect it to stop.

Here's my settings

I was orignally using the paint bucket tool, but I'm thinking now that I'd redraw each image.

I just got a new computer (hence the lateness of reply) and it's still going slowish, guess it's the rendering? Looks like I'm going to redraw!

Two hours later after tracing the image and it's finally ready to be filled in! Here's the picture http://flickr.com/photos/hellocatfood/2937417307/

I'll post it in the Finished Artwork forum when it's done.