Hi MPuertas, Yes, that sounds like a big problem. Could you tell us a bit more about: - What computersystem you work on? - Which version of Inkscape you use?
Did you install a different version of Inkscape before the problem started?
If the image is large, it might just take Inkscape a little while to do the work. If it's too large, you might need to find some way to make it smaller. Can you show us an example of a file where Inkscape is freezing?
Windows10, v .92.4 x64 This has been the only version used. I've uninstalled and reinstalled, rebooted my desktop several times.... not sure what else to do.
It seems like the problem started when I started using a 8.5"x11" template and thought it became too large as I used pattens and graphics to fill it in, but I can create a new document:
- draw a simple box
- try to "export as" and it gets hung up. It doesn't open the dialog box to select the save to desination. I have to hit esc to do anything, but I'm unable to "trace to bitmap" too. It feels broken : (
Very frustrating, as I've become so proficient and use to create for my buisness. I'm stuck now.
Actually, I meant share an SVG file. But I was able to get a little info from the text file.
It looks like you're exporting at 300 dpi. That makes the resulting PNG much bigger. And if it's starting at 8.5 x 11.... If I calculated correctly, it will be over 2 feet wide! That's probably why Inkscape freezes. Inkscape might eventually render it. But probably not.
I see that there is a lot of other contents in the file, besides the part you're trying to export. You could try just having only the part you want to export in the file. That might help. Or maybe others will have better ideas about a way to get this done? Especially if you could share the SVG file, we might be able to make better suggestions. Although we understand if it can't be shared.
Hi MPuertas, When you reinstall Inkscape, maybe the personal preferences are still there on your computer.
Sometimes, I just delete all the files with the personal settings, instead of a doing completely new installation. Of course I do not know if you have very important personal settings. You should make a back up before deleting it.
On my Windows pc it is this folder that I delete: C:\Users\MyUserName\AppData\Roaming\inkscape
When Inkscape restarts, it creates a new personal folder with default settings. ------- So, maybe it is the template you used. Then you have all Brynn's suggestions. Hopefully you can get Inkscape - the beautiful program - to work properly again.
I probably can't add anything useful to fix this, but the only other thing I can think of is that it 'might' be that the memory on your pc is getting filled up. Windows has a gadget/widget available (at least in win 7 it still does), right click on the desktop and there's a menu that pops up and one of the options is gadgets. It show your ram and rom. Check that as you are trying to export, it could be that you need to re-allocate your memory (I had to do that, my pc friend helped me, it's not hard). Also, try closing every other program when you export (all browsers and other programs), only have inkscape open and see if it exports better. Exporting and trace bitmap use up a lot of memory.
From your example of what you are exporting, that shouldn't be a problem, assuming this is on a standard 8.5 x 11 inch US paper size. I export larger files (for microstock sites), usually at 300 - 400 dpi with no problem, and I have a dying 9 yr old laptop with low memory. I'm also thinking you ought to ask on the msn or other windows forums, they may have ideas that we don't, as this may not be an inkscape issue. Can you export just one image or words? or does it freeze?
Also, can you show us a screenshot of the export screen? (can't hurt...).
My suggestion as a workaround until someone else comes along that can help, would be a suggestion to open the svg in gimp (another free source program), and use the export function there, to save as a png or jpg. At least you could get your work done. Gimp seems to work better with converting the various file formats.
Did you do what Kirstie above suggested? That often works (deleting that file will create a new one), you can save a backup first if you have concerns about losing anything.
here's another example, this time a smaller image. I created an offset and tried to export as png. It just won't work. If you click the "export as", it chimes and doesn't do anything.
I deleted personal preferences, I cleaned up memory on my pc, I've uninstalled & reinstalled...
Any other suggestions?
I even tried opening svg in gimp, but I have to watch tutorials on how to use this program. I'm a quick learner, but I need to figure this issue out with Inkscape.
While gimp is extensive, converting is fairly simple. Set your size in inkscape to make it easy. In giml, do file open as usual, then choose file export. Chg the name to yourname.png, ok, accept the defaults, ok. Close out the svg and open the png to check it. (Ps doing this from memory as on my phone, might be off a little, just follow the screen prompts).
If you need something asap for your work and that doesnt work, if you want to attach the svg. Id be happy to export as a png for you.
I'm wondering if instead of unticking the perferences block - you could try deleting it, that doesn't involve a reinstallation, just closing of inkscape, deleting the file, then reopening (might have to reboot, not sure of that though).
The only other suggestion is to install a different version of inkscape in a new folder (rename the folder), then you can use either version. I'd try downloading version 1.0 first, then 92.3.
My only other thought is that it is opening, but you can't see, might be opening minimized or pehaps behind the main inkscape screen.
I'm sorry you're having so much trouble. I'm thinking at some point you may need a larger audience to ask, the more heads the better..., so perhaps also ask on the FB (facebook) Inkscape group, and/or on this forum's chat (where more IT types are). I can't figure out why your trace bitmap doesn't work either, so that still makes me think it's a pc memory issue (realloting memory on the pc), but I'm not a good one to ask about that. How frustrating for you!
Well, at least the trace bitmap works, that's one issue down, one to go. As Maren says, telling us each exact step you take will help, screen shots are even better. (hint, I use windows snipping tool which makes it really easy to show us. there's a pinned thread that explains how to install/use it, very simple to do). Also, did you physically move the inkscape screen down, around, and about (not minimize though), to ensure it's not opening behind the main screen? (I only ask because I tend to do stupid stuff like this all the time, lol).
Maren, I 'think' it's the export png image, because that's the only one where a new menu pops up. I could be wrong. If it's the file save as perhaps it's just going to a diff folder than anticipated. (on a sidenote, I can't figure out how to download her files, her graphics are showing on the screen, but shouldn't we be able to click on it and download)? Her coffee cups says coffee cups, but not whether it's a png or svg. Are they still playing around with the attachment thing, I didn't have an inssue downloading before...
HI MPuertas, I have tried two of your svg files and they gave no problem at all: * coffee_cups.svg * svg_temp_file.svg And as you have tried both your installed Inkscape and a portable one too, and deleted the preferences, it seems that the problem is not there.
Could it be a hardware problem? For example that a part of the RAM memory is loose?
-------------
For the other forum users: You can right click on the images displayed here in the topic and save image as... That will download the svg files.
Hi MPuertas, Or.... Is there a window open, but maybe you cannot see it? For example, if the export as png window is very small, or at the side of your screen?
Yes Kirstie & Flamingolady there is a santa claus (haahaaa)... I mean yes of course the dialog box is hidden and I could never see it.... duhhhhhh I feel so stupid.
Well in all fairness, I would select the image to export, click "export as", then try to move the window around to see if the dialog box was behind it. It wouldn't let me... until I shrunk the main window first then selected the image, then clicked "export as". Viola!!! There's the dialog box.
I so appreciate everyone's input in my "mystery export as" issue.
This was a good learning experience for me, although very frustrating I learned some troubleshooting skills : )
I'm not sure why, but these are fairly large SVG files which you've shared. Even the one with a small-looking imported raster image, is 1.45 mb ! (That's the xmas stocking image.)
This might explain it. The image size is showing 85 x 129 px, but the status bar says it's approx 2400 x 3600 px in size. That latter size represents a very large raster image, and on a computer with 2 mb of RAM, the problems you describe would not be unexpected. But most computers these days have 8 or more mb of RAM.
I'm not sure if you just used that file as an example, but there would be no reason to export a PNG for that particular image, since it's already a raster image.
In the other file I looked at, you had 12 or so similar images, which are really many times the size they appear to be. I'm not sure how it happens that they look so small but are really much larger. (Maren might be able to explain?) But it's not just the size of the image you want to export, but the size of the whole SVG file, could contribute to performance issues.
So if each of these small-looking raster imports are actually many times the size they appear to be, AND you export at 300 dpi, this is really eating up computer resources right and left. Since I don't understand how they can appear to be small, but actually are quite large, I can't say that this is definitely your problem. But I think it must be at least part of it. Imported raster images are a known cause of performance issues. I just don't understand the size discrepancy issue.
I'm still investigating, but just fyi, it's really better not to ask the same question in multiple websites. It tends to make everyone confused, and usually results in even longer wait times for a solution.
Congrats! Glad it is solved. I am sorry Flamingolady-Dee, I didn't see you already posted that idea.
Nice to know we are all around the world working together to find solutions. And: a popup screen shouldn't open behind the main screen. So that is not stupid of you, but a bit strange that it is possible.
Beyond the Basics Export to PNG Freezes Inkscape
Inkscape.org
I haven't had this problem until about a week ago.
For whatever reason, any time I create an image to export to png (simple or complex art), it freezes up the program.
It will not open the "save as" box, won't do anything but freeze up. I then have to open task manager to shut down the program.
I've restarted my computer, I made sure I have the latest update of Inkscape... Help!! What do I do to fix this?
This is holding up all my projects and so frustrating!
Hi MPuertas,
Yes, that sounds like a big problem.
Could you tell us a bit more about:
- What computersystem you work on?
- Which version of Inkscape you use?
Did you install a different version of Inkscape before the problem started?
Welcome to the forum!
If the image is large, it might just take Inkscape a little while to do the work. If it's too large, you might need to find some way to make it smaller. Can you show us an example of a file where Inkscape is freezing?
Windows10, v .92.4 x64 This has been the only version used. I've uninstalled and reinstalled, rebooted my desktop several times.... not sure what else to do.
It seems like the problem started when I started using a 8.5"x11" template and thought it became too large as I used pattens and graphics to fill it in, but I can create a new document:
- draw a simple box
- try to "export as" and it gets hung up. It doesn't open the dialog box to select the save to desination. I have to hit esc to do anything, but I'm unable to "trace to bitmap" too. It feels broken : (
Very frustrating, as I've become so proficient and use to create for my buisness. I'm stuck now.
Any help would be appreciated.
Actually, I meant share an SVG file. But I was able to get a little info from the text file.
It looks like you're exporting at 300 dpi. That makes the resulting PNG much bigger. And if it's starting at 8.5 x 11.... If I calculated correctly, it will be over 2 feet wide! That's probably why Inkscape freezes. Inkscape might eventually render it. But probably not.
I see that there is a lot of other contents in the file, besides the part you're trying to export. You could try just having only the part you want to export in the file. That might help. Or maybe others will have better ideas about a way to get this done? Especially if you could share the SVG file, we might be able to make better suggestions. Although we understand if it can't be shared.
Hi MPuertas,
When you reinstall Inkscape, maybe the personal preferences are still there on your computer.
Sometimes, I just delete all the files with the personal settings, instead of a doing completely new installation.
Of course I do not know if you have very important personal settings. You should make a back up before deleting it.
On my Windows pc it is this folder that I delete:
C:\Users\MyUserName\AppData\Roaming\inkscape
When Inkscape restarts, it creates a new personal folder with default settings.
-------
So, maybe it is the template you used. Then you have all Brynn's suggestions.
Hopefully you can get Inkscape - the beautiful program - to work properly again.
Attached is an example .svg of what I work with.
Now like I said, I've never had problems. Always ran smooth and cranked out images.
I can't manipulate any image, not just "export as". I can't "trace bitmap" either.
Thanks again for your help in trying to help me figure this out.
I'm running so behind in creating new projects : (
~Happy Friday
I probably can't add anything useful to fix this, but the only other thing I can think of is that it 'might' be that the memory on your pc is getting filled up. Windows has a gadget/widget available (at least in win 7 it still does), right click on the desktop and there's a menu that pops up and one of the options is gadgets. It show your ram and rom. Check that as you are trying to export, it could be that you need to re-allocate your memory (I had to do that, my pc friend helped me, it's not hard). Also, try closing every other program when you export (all browsers and other programs), only have inkscape open and see if it exports better. Exporting and trace bitmap use up a lot of memory.
From your example of what you are exporting, that shouldn't be a problem, assuming this is on a standard 8.5 x 11 inch US paper size. I export larger files (for microstock sites), usually at 300 - 400 dpi with no problem, and I have a dying 9 yr old laptop with low memory. I'm also thinking you ought to ask on the msn or other windows forums, they may have ideas that we don't, as this may not be an inkscape issue. Can you export just one image or words? or does it freeze?
Also, can you show us a screenshot of the export screen? (can't hurt...).
I am unable to export anything.
I've created simple images to export and doesn't work.
I can't screenshot the export screen because that's the problem, it doesn't come up.
My suggestion as a workaround until someone else comes along that can help, would be a suggestion to open the svg in gimp (another free source program), and use the export function there, to save as a png or jpg. At least you could get your work done. Gimp seems to work better with converting the various file formats.
Did you do what Kirstie above suggested? That often works (deleting that file will create a new one), you can save a backup first if you have concerns about losing anything.
when I reinstalled, I unticked "use personal preferences". I'm searching files now to locate and delete.
I will try using Gimp to export to png.
here's another example, this time a smaller image. I created an offset and tried to export as png. It just won't work. If you click the "export as", it chimes and doesn't do anything.
I deleted personal preferences, I cleaned up memory on my pc, I've uninstalled & reinstalled...
Any other suggestions?
I even tried opening svg in gimp, but I have to watch tutorials on how to use this program. I'm a quick learner, but I need to figure this issue out with Inkscape.
Hi Mpuertas,
You can install a portable Inkscape on a different location on you computer. So you can get your work done.
While gimp is extensive, converting is fairly simple. Set your size in inkscape to make it easy. In giml, do file open as usual, then choose file export. Chg the name to yourname.png, ok, accept the defaults, ok. Close out the svg and open the png to check it. (Ps doing this from memory as on my phone, might be off a little, just follow the screen prompts).
If you need something asap for your work and that doesnt work, if you want to attach the svg. Id be happy to export as a png for you.
I installed Inkscape to a portable location. It opens up fine, but still won't "export as". I feel like crying : (
What should I try next?
I appreciate the Gimp tips, but if possible I'd like to figure out my troubles with Inkscape.
Has anyone heard of such issues?
I was so lovin' how quickly I could create and build my collections.
Has anyone opened my svg file to see if you can "export as"?
Try again what Kirstie suggested. Download Portable Inkscape from here. https://inkscape.org/release/0.92.4/windows/32-bit/ PortableApps.com format.
After installing, enter the destination folder you selected during install, and double click the InkscapePortable file.
Yes, exporting from your svg file works just fine here.
Did you check your memory as I suggested above?
I'm wondering if instead of unticking the perferences block - you could try deleting it, that doesn't involve a reinstallation, just closing of inkscape, deleting the file, then reopening (might have to reboot, not sure of that though).
The only other suggestion is to install a different version of inkscape in a new folder (rename the folder), then you can use either version. I'd try downloading version 1.0 first, then 92.3.
My only other thought is that it is opening, but you can't see, might be opening minimized or pehaps behind the main inkscape screen.
I'm sorry you're having so much trouble. I'm thinking at some point you may need a larger audience to ask, the more heads the better..., so perhaps also ask on the FB (facebook) Inkscape group, and/or on this forum's chat (where more IT types are). I can't figure out why your trace bitmap doesn't work either, so that still makes me think it's a pc memory issue (realloting memory on the pc), but I'm not a good one to ask about that. How frustrating for you!
Thanks for the link.
Did everything you mentioned, but still won't work for me.
I cleaned up the memory and trace bitmap works now, but I just have to figure out why it won't export.
I will jump on FB to ask for help too.
Thanks
MPuertas, can you give us step-by-step instructions of what you're doing, what your Inkscape version is, what your operating system is?
I'm still not clear which dialog it is that does not open. File > Save as? File > Export PNG image?
Can you clarify, please?
Well, at least the trace bitmap works, that's one issue down, one to go. As Maren says, telling us each exact step you take will help, screen shots are even better. (hint, I use windows snipping tool which makes it really easy to show us. there's a pinned thread that explains how to install/use it, very simple to do). Also, did you physically move the inkscape screen down, around, and about (not minimize though), to ensure it's not opening behind the main screen? (I only ask because I tend to do stupid stuff like this all the time, lol).
Maren, I 'think' it's the export png image, because that's the only one where a new menu pops up. I could be wrong. If it's the file save as perhaps it's just going to a diff folder than anticipated. (on a sidenote, I can't figure out how to download her files, her graphics are showing on the screen, but shouldn't we be able to click on it and download)? Her coffee cups says coffee cups, but not whether it's a png or svg. Are they still playing around with the attachment thing, I didn't have an inssue downloading before...
She said she's on Windows10, v .92.4 x64.
The problem is unable to "export as" png for my images.
and I've noticed when I save an Inkscape file (coffee cups), it's saves as svg extension, but shows as Chrome HTML Document extension.
HI MPuertas,
I have tried two of your svg files and they gave no problem at all:
* coffee_cups.svg
* svg_temp_file.svg
And as you have tried both your installed Inkscape and a portable one too, and deleted the preferences, it seems that the problem is not there.
Could it be a hardware problem? For example that a part of the RAM memory is loose?
-------------
For the other forum users: You can right click on the images displayed here in the topic and save image as... That will download the svg files.
Hi MPuertas,
Or.... Is there a window open, but maybe you cannot see it? For example, if the export as png window is very small, or at the side of your screen?
OMG!!!!!!! I feel like such an idiot!
Yes Kirstie & Flamingolady there is a santa claus (haahaaa)... I mean yes of course the dialog box is hidden and I could never see it.... duhhhhhh I feel so stupid.
Well in all fairness, I would select the image to export, click "export as", then try to move the window around to see if the dialog box was behind it. It wouldn't let me... until I shrunk the main window first then selected the image, then clicked "export as". Viola!!! There's the dialog box.
I so appreciate everyone's input in my "mystery export as" issue.
This was a good learning experience for me, although very frustrating I learned some troubleshooting skills : )
Have a terrific Sunday and thanks again.
I'm not sure why, but these are fairly large SVG files which you've shared. Even the one with a small-looking imported raster image, is 1.45 mb ! (That's the xmas stocking image.)
This might explain it. The image size is showing 85 x 129 px, but the status bar says it's approx 2400 x 3600 px in size. That latter size represents a very large raster image, and on a computer with 2 mb of RAM, the problems you describe would not be unexpected. But most computers these days have 8 or more mb of RAM.
I'm not sure if you just used that file as an example, but there would be no reason to export a PNG for that particular image, since it's already a raster image.
In the other file I looked at, you had 12 or so similar images, which are really many times the size they appear to be. I'm not sure how it happens that they look so small but are really much larger. (Maren might be able to explain?) But it's not just the size of the image you want to export, but the size of the whole SVG file, could contribute to performance issues.
So if each of these small-looking raster imports are actually many times the size they appear to be, AND you export at 300 dpi, this is really eating up computer resources right and left. Since I don't understand how they can appear to be small, but actually are quite large, I can't say that this is definitely your problem. But I think it must be at least part of it. Imported raster images are a known cause of performance issues. I just don't understand the size discrepancy issue.
I'm still investigating, but just fyi, it's really better not to ask the same question in multiple websites. It tends to make everyone confused, and usually results in even longer wait times for a solution.
Thank you for your feedback brynn. My issue wasn't technical at all, it was very simple.
When I selected my image and clicked "export as", the dialog box opened behind the main window. I never knew it was there.
I feel quite embarassed, but think I've learned some troubleshooting skills out of it, so not a total loss.
So the freezing issue is solved too? I thought your original problem was freezing.
Congrats! Glad it is solved. I am sorry Flamingolady-Dee, I didn't see you already posted that idea.
Nice to know we are all around the world working together to find solutions. And: a popup screen shouldn't open behind the main screen. So that is not stupid of you, but a bit strange that it is possible.
Ah, welcome to my world of crazy stuff happening, glad I'm not alone. Lol! Not a problem. Just glad you got it back and can do your work.
Kirstie. I guess great minds think alike, haha.