Cutting images

Post questions on how to use or achieve an effect in Inkscape.
Skinner
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:26 am

Cutting images

Postby Skinner » Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:45 am

Hi everyone! I need some help here.
I recently started using Inkscape instead of Flash Professional 8. I find this fine program capable of doing anything Flash can do except for one thing...
In Flash, I can import an image (bmp, gif, jpeg...), then use Break Apart command on it, select a part of the image (using the Selection Tool) and apply modifications to the selected part - move it, delete, etc. So I can tear the image apart, or cut the edges, or make a hole in it - you get the idea.
So could anyone please tell me: is there a way to do the same in Inkscape?

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brynn
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Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:34 pm
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Re: Cutting images

Postby brynn » Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:02 am

Well, you can't really just import raster file types and edit them as vectors. Anything that's not already a vector needs to be converted to vector. In Inkscape, this is done using Trace Bitmap from the Path menu. There are a couple of places on the internet which also will do this, but I can't remember their names. I'm sorry I can't be much help.

But after you've converted your image to vector, you can edit at will :)

Skinner
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:26 am

Re: Cutting images

Postby Skinner » Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:51 am

Yeah, I know what you mean. But the fact is: Flash CAN do it.
I can explain what I need this operation for. I have a table drawn and want to put some images inside the cells of the table. I can't diminish these images: I need to cut away certain parts of them (the exact amount so that the images would fit in the cells perfectly).

~suv
Posts: 2272
Joined: Sun May 10, 2009 2:07 am

Re: Cutting images

Postby ~suv » Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:28 pm

Use a clipping path to control which part of the bitmap is visible on canvas. You can't change the size of the bitmap itself though within Inkscape.

manual page: Clipping and Masking

Skinner
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:26 am

Re: Cutting images

Postby Skinner » Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:38 pm

Thanks for the advice! If no other methods exist I think I'll stick to this one.


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