I would like to use Inkscape to import handpainted images and convert them into either vectors or cut them out/trace them and put them on a transparent background to save as png files. My first question is this posssible and reasonable to do with Inkscape?

My second question is that when I have imported an image and traced it, when I go to export it, the only option that I have under file is 'export as png'. Which doesnt allow me to have a transparent background. I read that I need to export as bitmap with a png file extention but that does not seem to be and option.

Thank you for any help/advice you can give me!

sarahsdaughter wrote:I would like to use Inkscape to import handpainted images and convert them into either vectors or cut them out/trace them and put them on a transparent background to save as png files. My first question is this posssible and reasonable to do with Inkscape?

My second question is that when I have imported an image and traced it, when I go to export it, the only option that I have under file is 'export as png'. Which doesnt allow me to have a transparent background. I read that I need to export as bitmap with a png file extention but that does not seem to be and option.

Thank you for any help/advice you can give me!

I'm very new to Inkscape, but I believe that if you use the 'Export as PNG' option that it will save the file with a transparent background. You won't see it in apps that don't support transparency, but you will see it in something like GIMP.

https://inkscape.org/en/learn/faq/#How_ ... background

See also here about how Inkscape displays files with transparency enabled (which it is by default):

https://inkscape.org/en/learn/faq/#How_ ... background

Hi.

It is possible, but a raster editor like gimp would make a better use.

By exporting an autotraced image you will lose details.
Probably your exported image doesn't have transparent background because the traced raster image was still in the exporting area -the trace bitmap option does not delete the original, but place the vectors on top.
By deleting that and exporting again it would work.


For example if you have a black and white image, in gimp it takes only to add alpha transparency by colour -white- to make a transparent image.

Thank you! I'll check out Gimp and hopefully I can find the right solution for me.