Hi all, newbie Inkscape/Laser user looking for help if possible

I have searched for hours, and tried lots of things, but with no success (well, I can get it to outline great, but not fill)

The attached file shows a panel I need to laser engrave. I need the letters, arrows and circles filled in (engraved?) between the lines, but I am struggling!

I have no problems deleting the bits of the PDF I don't want outlined and engraved, but just can't get it to fill in as well as outline

I have tried the "J Tech community laser tool" and laser tools, but they all give me the same result.

Any help or links to suitable tutorials would be a great help, I can find tutorials on things that are already filled in (jpeg pictures etc) but not this PDF for a project I am constructing

Many thanks

Mark

I'd ungroup everything until there are no groups, then delete all objects that are not needed.

Then, the question is what does the laser software expect: solid filled areas (for raster engraving), or hatched areas (for vector engraving)?

Always save as an Inkscape SVG for editing, and save-a-copy as whatever format the laser software is using.

Thanks for the reply Tyler, much appreciated

Yep, I can get to the stage where I have just the objects left I need engraving (by, as you say, ungrouping/breaking apart etc) but it's filling in the gaps I'm struggling with.

I have attached the SVG I end up with. I am using the "J Tech community laser tool" for the laser work, but I can't seem to find any info on how to get it to fill in where required.

I'm also struggling to get Inkscape to fill in between the lines (so I could maybe make a bitmap image, will that work?)

Sorry, I'm a newbie at this, but have spent so many hours trying to sort this myself with google searches that I have become very frustrated.

Mark

So you probably know that most svg objects are 2D vector geometry that can have fill color and/or stroke color. In this case, some geometry may need combining, to create the desired fills and strokes.

The basic and advanced tutorials in Inkscape's help menu will get you started.  The Manual's section on editing paths will go into greater detail.

Thanks Tyler, I'll take a look 👍