I really like the software and thought I'd use it for my first laser cutting project. I imported a png image and traced it on a second layer to create my svg file. It happens that the image had been reduced in size. I did not catch the 'error' until I got my cut shape back from the vendor. I was able to verify that the png image is of the correct dimension but imports it incorrectly. Can you point me to where my error is? I imported other images but they came at the correct size. I guess live and learn. Thanks for your help,
Well, I haven't had problems with images changing dimensions when importing. So I'm just going to walk you through the steps, to be 100% sure you're doing it the way I do it. Should work for everyone as far as I know.
1: Check the dimensions for the image you want to import. 2: Open Inkscape. 3: Press "shift+ctrl+D" to open Document properties. 4: Set display units to "px" under "General". Also set "Units" to "px" in the "Custom size" section. 5: Change the values under "Custom size" to the dimensions of the image you are importing. 6: Make sure "Show Page Border" is ticked. 7: Press "ctrl+I" to select the image you want to import. 8: Make sure "Embed", "From file", and "None" is selected in the box that shows up after. Press "Ok". 9: It should import the image in it's original size. But to be 100% sure, use the Align and distribute tool to center the imported image on the Pages vertical and horizontal axis. If it's a perfect fit, you know that no error has occurred yet.
Hmm..weird. And I just remembered that if you right click the image, and choose open in Inkscape. It should automatically do what I just mentioned in those steps. (It's getting late here...) Hopefully, someone else can help.
I looked into the 'override' checkbox, and it doesn't make a difference if ticked or unticked. The image comes in reduced.
It was probably the fact that I imported the pdf into PhotoPad, saved as a png and then imported to Inkscape. I made it work right by just opening the pdf from Inkscape. I drew the lines (B) and the size was correct this time. I guess I was making extra work for myself, but still, why would Inscape change the size of the image during an import...
Too many variables. We don't know in first place you added an extra step converting through another app and how the settings were you applied. Most apps use dpi-value for displaying; the higher the value the smaller the image is displayed regardless its real amount of pixels. Keep that in mind.
Selected images will have their file's pixel dimensions displayed in the status bar. I use the aspect-ratio lock in the select tool's controls and enter the H or W to scale to size, if I want 1:1 with the file.
I am looking for the answer to setting preferences. I note that under settings - the default import resolution (for Inkscape 4.1) is 96 dpi and - the default is also set to "Override file resolution".
Do I understand that if I import a file at 300. dpi- it will import at 96 dpi?
I won't like that - so then I'd have to change the resolution "back" in export file (to print- because can't print directly from Inkscape) when I go to print - or it will look very jagged and pixelated.
I have seen that I get a dialog box when I open an image - it asks me if I want to use the image DPI or the default resolution.(currently set at 96) So it looks as though I can keep the default, as long as I manage the image resolution when I open and when I export. The reason I responded here on this thread is that I got unexpected results printing due to resolution issues and not being aware enough to understand the many places I need to check - as I do not do the same thing all day long so settings vary all the time. Is why I asked about default settings.
Beginners' Questions Imported png and got a downsized image
Inkscape.org
Hello,
I really like the software and thought I'd use it for my first laser cutting project. I imported a png image and traced it on a second layer to create my svg file. It happens that the image had been reduced in size. I did not catch the 'error' until I got my cut shape back from the vendor. I was able to verify that the png image is of the correct dimension but imports it incorrectly. Can you point me to where my error is? I imported other images but they came at the correct size. I guess live and learn.
Thanks for your help,
luis
Hi there,
Well, I haven't had problems with images changing dimensions when importing. So I'm just going to walk you through the steps, to be 100% sure you're doing it the way I do it. Should work for everyone as far as I know.
1: Check the dimensions for the image you want to import.
2: Open Inkscape.
3: Press "shift+ctrl+D" to open Document properties.
4: Set display units to "px" under "General". Also set "Units" to "px" in the "Custom size" section.
5: Change the values under "Custom size" to the dimensions of the image you are importing.
6: Make sure "Show Page Border" is ticked.
7: Press "ctrl+I" to select the image you want to import.
8: Make sure "Embed", "From file", and "None" is selected in the box that shows up after. Press "Ok".
9: It should import the image in it's original size. But to be 100% sure, use the Align and distribute tool to center the imported image on the Pages vertical and horizontal axis.
If it's a perfect fit, you know that no error has occurred yet.
Hope this works out for you.
-qim-
Hello Qim,
Thanks for your answer, I tried everything you said but no change, the image still shows up reduced in size.
L
Hmm..weird. And I just remembered that if you right click the image, and choose open in Inkscape. It should automatically do what I just mentioned in those steps. (It's getting late here...)
Hopefully, someone else can help.
Please check Tyler's advice at the end of this thread: https://inkscape.org/forums/questions/importing-image-loses-its-sharpness-in-inkscape/
I looked into the 'override' checkbox, and it doesn't make a difference if ticked or unticked. The image comes in reduced.
It was probably the fact that I imported the pdf into PhotoPad, saved as a png and then imported to Inkscape. I made it work right by just opening the pdf from Inkscape. I drew the lines (B) and the size was correct this time. I guess I was making extra work for myself, but still, why would Inscape change the size of the image during an import...
Thanks for your time
Too many variables. We don't know in first place you added an extra step converting through another app and how the settings were you applied. Most apps use dpi-value for displaying; the higher the value the smaller the image is displayed regardless its real amount of pixels. Keep that in mind.
Selected images will have their file's pixel dimensions displayed in the status bar. I use the aspect-ratio lock in the select tool's controls and enter the H or W to scale to size, if I want 1:1 with the file.
Yes, and pixel size was identical. I didn't know I had to check for actual physical size. Live and learn.
I am looking for the answer to setting preferences. I note that under settings - the default import resolution (for Inkscape 4.1) is 96 dpi and - the default is also set to "Override file resolution".
Do I understand that if I import a file at 300. dpi- it will import at 96 dpi?
I won't like that - so then I'd have to change the resolution "back" in export file (to print- because can't print directly from Inkscape) when I go to print - or it will look very jagged and pixelated.
I wonder if this relates to this (old) question?
Here (1.4/macOS) the images will be displayed at their dpi-settings in the meta data of the bitmap file.
I have seen that I get a dialog box when I open an image - it asks me if I want to use the image DPI or the default resolution.(currently set at 96) So it looks as though I can keep the default, as long as I manage the image resolution when I open and when I export. The reason I responded here on this thread is that I got unexpected results printing due to resolution issues and not being aware enough to understand the many places I need to check - as I do not do the same thing all day long so settings vary all the time. Is why I asked about default settings.
Inkscape will remember the last import settings even after a restart.