Hi there

This question most likely has a very simple answer and I am just being dumb not finding it, but here goes...

I create an image and go File > Save As > (save as type) Cairo PNG, but when I go an open up the image outside of Inkscape, there is an image file but the image is just white (so it has saved the document size, etc. but none of what I created). This happens when I have imported images and also when I have just added text using the text function inside of Inkscape...

I have previously created and saved images before and been able to view them outside of Inkscape.

At the moment I am using Export Bitmap as a work around - but want to be able to save the images, and am frusterated as to what I am doing wrong and cause it to not show the images.

Any help from someone who has either experienced this or come across it before and knows the answer would be very much appreciated.

denene wrote:I create an image and go File > Save As > (save as type) Cairo PNG

although this is in the menu in fact you should not use this method!

denene wrote:At the moment I am using Export Bitmap as a work around

Your workaround is actually the recommended way everyone saves bitmap images out of Inkscape. What is not satisfactory about the files you are generating this way?

Unless I'm absolutely certain that I will never need the original drawing again, I always Save As 'Inkscape SVG' first, and then use Export Bitmap to get the PNG.

In my opinion, Inkscape tends to "play a little fast and loose" with terminology. Even though it's called "export" you still have an image saved as a png. I realize that in some situations with computers in general, exporting isn't always the same thing as saving. In this particular case with Inkscape, it is.

Anyway, the reason your image doesn't show up when you use Save As Cairo png, is because that format (Cairo PNG) does not support all of Inkscape's features, particularly transparency, and several other things too (I think filters and some other things, I'm not sure exactly what all). Export Bitmap retains all of Inkscape's features (except that it's a raster format, of course).

Partially OT -- Why is Cairo PNG even included as a format save option for Inkscape, in the first place?? Does it have some use in development or troubleshooting? It would save us a lot of time, here in the forum, if it were just dropped out

Hi There

Thanks for your replies and help. My overall concern is just being able to create vector images rather than raster ones which pixelate. I also save the original file as .svg but haven't been able to view or use any other file type outside of Inkscape (except sometimes in IE) - however I think this is an issue which can be solved by watching a few tutorials, learning a bit about the file types and how to work with them...

I thought I had been using the Save As function, but obviously not and it's just my memory is a bit bonkers and my brain is creating neural pathways which aren't there (or at least mixing them up : )

No worries, my brain's always taking the wrong neural pathway, lol!

There's some info in the manual about saving files, and file formats, etc. This chapter: Basics - Help menu > Tutorials
Manual - Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program
Inkscape Community - Inkscape FAQ - Gallery
Inkscape for Cutting Design

Brynn

I hope I don't sound like a hypo teenager who has just come back from a Justin Bieber concert - but the support here is awesome and you guys are doing a fantastic job. That was extremely helpful!

I will be checking out the manual : )

Mmm.... yes, I actually had to disable the thumbnail viewer feature in Windows 7 because it was locking my files and preventing me from renaming, moving, deleting, etc..

Thanks again for your help.