Hi all,

I'm working on a complex project in Inkscape 1.4.2 and would appreciate some help. I have an SVG file containing hundreds of X-shaped punch holes (traced from a raster image using bitmap trace). These Xs are individual paths, but each X seems to consist of multiple nodes (sometimes ~19), probably because they were created from traced vector data.

I'd like to replace each X with a perfectly filled circle, centered on the X’s position, for Cricut cutting — but without getting clusters or duplicates (which is what is happening now). I've tried using Distribute Along Path with my perfect circle and the combined Xs path. But this results in multiple circles per X, because the extension treats every node in the path as a clone target. I've tried Breaking Apart, Ungrouping, and using Select Same to isolate the Xs. I've attempted to find a way to center the circle using snapping, rotation centers, or node tools — all very manual. Sadly scripting would be out of the question as I'm no good at that! Is there any native Inkscape method or extension that lets me:place one copy of a circle at the visual center of each X or extract those centers and use them as placement points?
I’m trying to avoid manually placing 500+ circles.

Thanks for any help!

I'd use the Exchange Positions operation in the Align dialog. Make 500 circles using the Edit>tile clones function, then replace all the Xs with the clones.

http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Tiles.html

Either before or after the exchange, the tile clones can be "unlinked" and converted to circles, if cricut doesn't understand clones.

@TylerDurden - thank you very much for this detailed response. I'll certainly give it a go. Fingers crossed and thanks again 🙏

@TylerDurden - Good morning! Thanks for your suggestion yesterday. After following your instructions I still can't workout whatsoever going on, as the Xs in my file are still ungrouped and made up of nodal points (and I've tried to group time and time again). When I've attempted a test patch I get a nodal point or 2 exchanged with a circle instead of the complete X. I've attached the file here - if you ever had a moment could you see what's going on with this file and the Xs in particular? The 520 circles are at the bottom of the page (the correct dimensions). Any light you might shed on this would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance 🙂 

I think you must ensure all circles are placed ABOVE all the x'es. Also - remember that the original circle will stay in place below the first clone.

tip: when you think all clones of circle are selected, check at the bottom of the Inkscape window to ensure that only clones are in the selection.

Maybe this:

The circles look fine, so it is probably a matter of selecting in the proper order, as shown above.

BTW, there are a lot of vintage computer nerds where I work, they will be delighted to see someone using Inkscape to create punchtape.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and help! Really appreciated - my music box and I are very grateful! 

Music box! 👏