As I posted in a separate thread, I was trying to find a way to grab bitmap images of symbols I want, and possibly convert them into SVG symbols. The Trace Bitmap function does a rough job of it (too many nodes). Then using the Simplify tool works to a point. But by my observations, continued using of Ctrl-L, it then starts distorting the object because it devolves into Bezier curves rather than finding corners and making straight lines and arcs, which many symbols are composed of.
I'm just a novice here, but is this something that's even possible? It would sure go a long way to making Simplify work more like I envision it.
Thank you for the quick reply! The articles you reference makes me think that I my expectations may not be correct for the Trace and Simplify tools (novice). After spending 4 hours experimenting with basic B&W symbols I've come to the conclusion that there are simply too many factors for me to account for when trying to convert these symbol images. I'm sure those of you with more experience know what I'm talking about. (Resolution, anti-aliasing, etc.)
Although I still think it would help if Trace or Simplify were more able to find straight lines and arcs and make them so instead of trying to keep the all the portions of the path as curves. I did have some success with the Optimize option.
The bottom line is I hope somewhere I can find the symbols I need without having to create them. Or I'd be better served by just creating them in Inkscape if I want them.
Hi. Trace Bitmap may not "fix" or generate an exact outcome as you wish. It could serve as a starting point.
There are also options using the Node Tool to make curved portions into segments and vice-versa, adjusting the node types. Perhaps it would help if you share your beginning image, some "results" you achieved, and specified details as to what your end-game is. That way, others can see and maybe offer you assistance, tips, and so on. And yes, depending on your desired outcome, it may be easier or more efficient to compose(create) your path(s) from scratch. Consider sharing and detailing so others could determine better how to help or to streamline the process.
I decided that, as you suggested, it was more work to adjust the Traced objects that to just start over and build my own.The symbols were simple enough that it actually wasn't as hard as I though. There was a learning curve to manipulating the shapes and deleting portions of the shape to make it look the way I wanted. My first ones were composed of circles and arcs and arc shaped sections of a circle. It took awhile to get the order of the Difference and Intersections operations correct (I'm still finding I did things incorrectly in my symbols, as you may find in other posts here...).
I'm sure the Trace Bitmap and Simplify are very useful, but not for symbols and things that can be more efficiently composed of relative simple shapes.
Community Café Is it possible to make the function Simplify better?
Inkscape.org
As I posted in a separate thread, I was trying to find a way to grab bitmap images of symbols I want, and possibly convert them into SVG symbols. The Trace Bitmap function does a rough job of it (too many nodes). Then using the Simplify tool works to a point. But by my observations, continued using of Ctrl-L, it then starts distorting the object because it devolves into Bezier curves rather than finding corners and making straight lines and arcs, which many symbols are composed of.
I'm just a novice here, but is this something that's even possible? It would sure go a long way to making Simplify work more like I envision it.
Look at this topic for possible help.
https://inkscape.org/forums/questions/setting-simplify-agressivity-and-simplify-acceleration/
And this one also about simplifying only part of a path.
https://alpha.inkscape.org/vectors/www.inkscapeforum.com/viewtopiccac1-2.html?t=12204
Another possible "issue" may be there are duplicated nodes (one on top if the other) in your path which may interfere with the simplification process.
Thank you for the quick reply! The articles you reference makes me think that I my expectations may not be correct for the Trace and Simplify tools (novice). After spending 4 hours experimenting with basic B&W symbols I've come to the conclusion that there are simply too many factors for me to account for when trying to convert these symbol images. I'm sure those of you with more experience know what I'm talking about. (Resolution, anti-aliasing, etc.)
Although I still think it would help if Trace or Simplify were more able to find straight lines and arcs and make them so instead of trying to keep the all the portions of the path as curves. I did have some success with the Optimize option.
The bottom line is I hope somewhere I can find the symbols I need without having to create them. Or I'd be better served by just creating them in Inkscape if I want them.
Hi. Trace Bitmap may not "fix" or generate an exact outcome as you wish. It could serve as a starting point.
There are also options using the Node Tool to make curved portions into segments and vice-versa, adjusting the node types. Perhaps it would help if you share your beginning image, some "results" you achieved, and specified details as to what your end-game is. That way, others can see and maybe offer you assistance, tips, and so on. And yes, depending on your desired outcome, it may be easier or more efficient to compose(create) your path(s) from scratch. Consider sharing and detailing so others could determine better how to help or to streamline the process.
I decided that, as you suggested, it was more work to adjust the Traced objects that to just start over and build my own.The symbols were simple enough that it actually wasn't as hard as I though. There was a learning curve to manipulating the shapes and deleting portions of the shape to make it look the way I wanted. My first ones were composed of circles and arcs and arc shaped sections of a circle. It took awhile to get the order of the Difference and Intersections operations correct (I'm still finding I did things incorrectly in my symbols, as you may find in other posts here...).
I'm sure the Trace Bitmap and Simplify are very useful, but not for symbols and things that can be more efficiently composed of relative simple shapes.
Thank you for nudging me in that direction.