Inkscape.org
Beginners' Questions Select just part of a layer
  1. #1
    CrazieBird CrazieBird @CrazieBird

    I apologize for being completely new to Inkscape and I have tried to find this answer but I think I am not phrasing it correctly for search.

    I got a free svg file that has 5 layers, each layer is a single "path or object" (not sure the term), when I open the same file in vcarve (cnc program) i can select elements of each layer but when I open the same file in Inkscape it is a single object for the entire layer so I can not select an element of it. 

    I have included an image of vcarve pro where I can select the circle in the middle of a flower and an image of inkscape where the whole layer is a single object or path.

    Any help appreciated.

    Screenshot   20230403 154715
    Screenshot   20230403 154705 Ver001
  2. #2
    Polygon Polygon @Polygonβš–πŸŒΆ

    To me it look exactly the same outlined shape in both apps. Take the Node tool (N) to select islands and such in Inkscape.

  3. #3
    CrazieBird CrazieBird @CrazieBird

    Same image true - was hoping that I could find an easy way to select the element of the layer.  When I have been designing my own (to learn the program) I get each element as its own shape so have been lost with this downloaded one.  It seems that although vcarve with the exact same file you can select the element with one click in inkscape best I have been able to do it select a single node then click ctrl-A to select all nodes in that element's path.  Does that sound like that is the easiest way to do this?  I have a lot I have to edit even though this is a file from a reputable designer lol

     

  4. #4
    Polygon Polygon @Polygonβš–πŸŒΆ
    CrazieBird

    Does that sound like that is the easiest way to do this?

    ItΒ΄s not the easiest but only way because itΒ΄s all ready to cut - not ready to "arrange/add/draw/design" so to speak.

  5. #5
    CrazieBird CrazieBird @CrazieBird

    Thank you for the information. I have been thinking and trying to search for a function similar to maybe path to object or path to new layer?  I have a bunch of paths that are separate and complete (otherwise Ctrl-A would not work correct?)Then I could just select all the paths and make each its own object been searching but not finding anything on that being possible.

  6. #6
    CrazieBird CrazieBird @CrazieBird

    Okay so trying different things clicking each option in the menus :)  When in node mode I can select path - break apart and it will give me the individuals paths which is this case allows me to node edit things much quicker (need to remove the same path on each of 4 layers and copy a very similar path from layer 5 to layers 1,2,3,4 so everything will align).  I do very much appreciate all the help.  Now if only I can figure out how to hide all layers but current and how to show all layers with a shortcut instead of clicking the eye symbol on each layer each time.

  7. #7
    Tyler Durden Tyler Durden @TylerDurdenβš–

    I'd try right-click on a layer for options.

  8. #8
    CrazieBird CrazieBird @CrazieBird
    *

    Ran into a snag but I have hope that it is easy to fix.  I love the fill tool since it is one of the reason I am learning (better planning for colors etc).  With my above "solution" break apart does indeed work and will allow me to quick edit 4 layers at once doing it.  However, It seems I have lost the ability to color the just the lines on the layers now.

    Any thoughts on how I can keep the lines being colored by fill and not the see through spaces?

    Third image is before break apart (great and just what I want to see the lines are colored while the spaces are actually see through)

    Second Image is after break apart and I get a big blop

    First image is trying to do fill on the new parts but it is coloring the previous see through parts not the lines

    Screenshot   20230403 195432
    Screenshot   20230403 195354
    Screenshot   20230403 195331
  9. #9
    Tyler Durden Tyler Durden @TylerDurdenβš–

    I'm having trouble understanding where you'd like color, or what tool you are using.

    So I'm attaching an Inkscape file bodged from your screenshot, so you can describe in greater detail the areas where you would like color.

     

    Wreathy
  10. #10
    CrazieBird CrazieBird @CrazieBird

    The file is a free svg from https://likelovedo.com/layered-mothers-day-wreath-svg/ has 5 layers but layer 2 has all the issues that I am trying to overcome. I changed the color of layer 2 fill to coral.

    I would like to adjust some of the elements (cut throughs) for better alignment and to embellish. 

    I have found that layer 2 as a single path is why I am learning this program which is the fill coloring and the cut throughs that will show the lower layers.  Makes is very nice to visual multi layered designs and also to determine best colors.

    The easiest way I have found to make the adjustments is select the single path of layer 2 and "break apart" which gives me the individual elements so I can make adjustments, delete the "opening" in higher layers and copy and paste my adjusted element so that everything aligns.  When i do "break apart" I get the fill color as a big blob which covers the whole layer. 

    I know that the top 2 paths are the outermost and innermost if that helps. If i remove fill for outermost path I can see the design but it becomes kind of a negative image for me at the point since i want to color the area between the elements rather than the elements themselves (all the coral areas I would like to be see through rather than colored).  In your design i want to color the green "coloring book outline" effect.

     

     

    Screenshot   20230404 101257
    Screenshot   20230404 101356
    Screenshot   20230404 101406
  11. #11
    CrazieBird CrazieBird @CrazieBird
    *

    Using your design, I want to be able to color the green arrow part (which i guess is the area between elements) and have the yellow arrow part to be see through (which I guess is the area of elements themselves) rather than have a color.  I think I can do this using combine which might be why there is 1 path for the entire layer, I was hoping to be able to figure this out so when I do my own designs I am able to see only the "outline coloring book effect" areas colored so I can more easily tell the aspects that need to be adjusted and aligned in my own designs.

    Screenshot   20230404 094924
  12. #12
    CrazieBird CrazieBird @CrazieBird
    *

    I apologize I did not realize you posted an actual avg.  Using your svg I can tell that the green "coloring book outline" is the blob layer moved all the way down which reveals that other elements.  I was able to color the area above mom a different color but have been trying to make it transparent instead which is what I am hoping for since I need to be able to see what is underneath for multi layer designing.  All of the ohter element colors actually come from see through cutouts also, so I really want every color but the green outline to transparent and still be elements that allow me to easily adjust them.

    By the way thank you so very much for helping me.  I am trying to move on from Vcarve for design multi layer since that is really not great to use to get a sense of the design with colors.

    Screenshot   20230404 103314
  13. #13
    Tyler Durden Tyler Durden @TylerDurdenβš–

    As you have noticed, the area that creates boundaries around shapes is (in this case) a single large object in the background.

    The pink and light-teal shapes can be used as cutters to remove areas from the large object, using path>difference.