I have been using Inkscape for a while and done many traces of images but I want to trace my grandmothers handwriting and wondering what the trace features mean to get a more clean result.

Thanks, Sherri

Welcome Sherri!

I guess the best place to start learning about each setting would be the manual: http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Trace.html Also, trial and error, by using the Preview in the Trace Bitmap dialog. Note that you have to click Update after making a change in the settings, to show the effect they'll have. It's not a live preview, so you have to update each time. Also note that the update feature for Brightness Cutoff is broken, so you have to actually perform a trace, to see it. Then Undo, and try again.

You may find that you need slightly different settings, depending on the background behind the signature....and of course the zoom level.

Good luck