I imported an existing PNG file as the "base" for a new drawing. I performed several edits using Eraser Tool and added, then Grouped  a second drawing. Finally, I created new lines using Draw Bezier Curves and Straight Lines tool. The modified SVG files looks GREAT and I can print it out "clean." (See 1st drawing). However, when I perform Export to PNG, Inkscape apparently includes all of the edited artifacts into the export and IT'S A MESS!

Is there a way to permanantely remove the deleted artifacts? I can understand if the SVG file might not be "clean," but I don't understand why you can't have a clean export to PNG.

There are things in Inkscape that I still don't understand... but the following occurred to me: can you select all these artifacts? If you can, try this:

1) Cut out all these artifacts;

2) Create a new layer and go to Edit > Paste in Place;

3) Lock this layer and make it hidden by clicking on the eye icon.

If successful, Inkscape will ignore objects on that layer.

Guerrerio,

I can't "see" the erasures/artifacts in the SVG file, only when it's Exported to PNG. I'm not certain where they are being "held." Attached is screenshot of the SVG file that shows the two (2) imported graphics that comprise the "base" of my file. If anyone knows how to isolate the deleted items, please chime in.

2nd Response:

I captured the Inkscape dialog box for Export to PNG. Take a look at the thumbnail illustration. I notice the "checkerboard" outlines of the "erased" objects. Should I (or is it possible) to set the erased objects to a color (pure WHITE) so that when it exports, it will blend with the background? My profound apologies if this is obvious to a new user.

amichke weote: "Guerrerio,I can't "see" the erasures/artifacts in the SVG file, only when it's Exported to PNG. I'm not certain where they are being "held." Attached is screenshot of the SVG file that shows the two (2) imported graphics that comprise the "base" of my file. If anyone knows how to isolate the deleted items, please chime in."

amichke, your message is not appearing on the forum... but it did appear in my email. So. maybe these artifacts are out of outline and out of fill.

If so, you can see where they are by going to View > Display mode > Outline. This mode will show all objects, even the ones with no outline and no fill... then you select them and try what I suggested.

Note: To return to normal view, go to View > Display mode > Normal

It would be helpful if you could share the svg here to see what might be going wrong.

Thanks, Marcos. I'm attaching it.

Guerrerio, I went into the Display Mode -> Outline and saw most of the artifacts. Wasn't certain how to select just the artifacts from this view. I did create a new Layer and effected Paste in Place, as well as locked and hid the layer. Still no "clean" export to PNG. Though for all reading this, some of the artifacts (in the Outline view) did "disappear" when I (thought) I had selected the (to be erased) artifacts and did the Past in Place. The Outline Overlay view shows (mostly) everything.

I get the point now: someone erased the white background of this png image... and the artifacts you mentioned are just the transparent areas where the background was erased. You don't see this in Inkscape because it opens you to a page... colored white.

I create a blue rectangle and place it under the png image: see that the "holes" are visible.

You would have to open this image in gimp and krita and cover these transparent areas with white: then they will be normal.

This all comes from trying to use Inkscape like it's a bitmap editor. Gimp would be a better choice of editor.  There are only bitmaps in the file.

The file can be edited in Inkscape, after converting the shapes to vector. Then you can do fun stuff besides exporting to another bitmap.

@amichke, I suggest you explore Inkscape's tutorials in the Help menu.

Here's some related info in the manual: http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Trace.html

Let's see, you have a rather strange mess in this file. It's two images and one of them has a clip. If what you want is just the cat drawing, I recommend you to do it from scratch or use Trace bitmap.

Thanks, everyone! MUCH to study. BTW, I'm exploring the ability to take in existing drawing then to be able to scale/re-draw so that I can export eventually to my X-Carve machine.

What probably happened is that someone wanted to eliminate some elements from the original image... and simply used the eraser. But the eraser is not recommended, in this case, because it generates these errors that we saw. There are several ways to solve this: one of them would be to make a rectangle painted in white, the same size as the image... and put that rectangle underneath. then export all as a png file and reopen in Inkscape. These holes will no longer be present.

Guerreiro,

SUCCESS!!! Placing the White object on top of the erasures enabled a "clean" output. Perhaps it's sub-optimal to use Inkscape in this fashion. Having learning curve problems as I'm trying to transisiton into retirement and exploiting all of my new "toys" (X-Carve, 50W CO2 Laser/Cutter/Engraver, 3-D Printer, Cricut, CNC Plasma Cutter, full woodshop and welding equipment, as well as Electronics equipment, Adrunio and Raspberry Pi projects). SOOO many software applications and individual learning curves! I'm "hoping" that I might be able to find and dig in on drawing packages that will enable me to "quickly" import existing items for "maninpulation" on each of the tools. Add to this trying also to "standardize" the development platforms (such as Fusion 360 to generate 3D models vs. Sketchup), then learning/optimizing G-Code for the various tools, et. al. I expect that I'll be engaged in a least 2 university degree's studies at home to just be a decent novice ;)

@amichke That's great. It's important to keep the mind active, not to mention the fun of the learning process. Best of luck 😊 For 3D I recommend you to take a look at Blender, which is a wonderful free tool.

All, Just wanted to check back in and share the "practical" results from the assistance provided to me. I made two (2) bandsaw boxes using some items fabricated on X-Carve. The "face" outline was done with a 50W CO2 laser/engraver, using the modified Inkscape drawing (saved to a .png file). The boxes are gifts for my twin 10-year-old granddaughter's birthday.

@amichke Fantastic! Thanks for sharing 💯