I have an image that I need to split into three parts to export as a DXF while keeping the same scale for each part. How do I do this, please? I am NOT very computer literate, so answers need to be in words of one syllable (haha) and without using jargon, please. Struggling artist here. I can change to DXF - it's the splitting part I'm struggling with.
The complete image is made up of much smaller discrete parts. The whole thing measures about 30cms (12") square, and it is to be sent to a laser cutter which I do not own. It needs to be split because the substrate out of which it will be cut is smaller than the complete image. Because of the way the component parts of the complete image swirl about somewhat, it must be split into three sections in order to fit on the small metal sheets from which it is to be cut. The original image was a raster, and I have converted it to vector. Now I need to be able to send three separate DXF images to the laser cutter. They need to be the same scale, as the three sections, each of which will consist of smaller component parts, need to be fitted together in order to make the complete image. Perhaps I should explain that I am an artist working in metal and enamel. I could easily saw out all the pieces by hand, but a laser will be so very much quicker, and time is money, after all!
An attempt : notice that the view is in outline mode ("the way the laser cutter sees your design").
Here I want to divide panel_to_split into three parts. I've drawn two closed paths (named left and right) with bezier tool, that will be used to split the panel. I have duplicated both right and left paths and select both and did path > combine to combine them into one path, renamed left+right.
Then I duplicate panel_to_split and select it with left and do path > intersection : this creates the first part.
I repeat with right to make the second part with another boolean intersection.
For the last part, I use a difference operation : the cutting path must be above the cutted path : remember.
With simplier shapes, one could use left+right and panel_to_split and path > division, to create the three parts.
Polygon, I have not the slightest idea if splitting an image will change the scale of the entire piece. I don't know how to split an image into three parts, which of course is why I'm asking. I was just making sure that splitting it would not change the scale - I'm not a computer nerd, nor am I any kind of expert, which is why I am asking these questions. I simply use the infernal machine to the best of my ability; I don't particularly enjoy it. It's a not-very-welcome means to an end, not an end in itself. If I knew how to do these things, I wouldn't need to ask, would I ... ?
Thank you. That will probably help when I get to grips with what the bezier thing is. ...😊 At least it makes some kind of sense, for which I am grateful. Thanks again.
If I knew how to do these things, I wouldn't need to ask, would I ... ?
I´d say depends on your image. In essence you need 3 copies of your image in place and 3 rectangles side by side - then select left rectangle and one copy of the image and go Path->Intersection - then the middle rectangle plus another copy and go Path->intersection and repeat one last time. You can during export explicit tell to export just what you have selected.
Beginners' Questions How to split an image while keeping the scale.
Inkscape.org
I have an image that I need to split into three parts to export as a DXF while keeping the same scale for each part. How do I do this, please? I am NOT very computer literate, so answers need to be in words of one syllable (haha) and without using jargon, please. Struggling artist here. I can change to DXF - it's the splitting part I'm struggling with.
For a good answer, could you tell us what's the purpose, here ?
I imagine you want to send it to a laser cutter or a plotter and because it's too big for your device, you need to split your work in three parts ?
What's the format of the original image ? raster / vector ?
The complete image is made up of much smaller discrete parts. The whole thing measures about 30cms (12") square, and it is to be sent to a laser cutter which I do not own. It needs to be split because the substrate out of which it will be cut is smaller than the complete image. Because of the way the component parts of the complete image swirl about somewhat, it must be split into three sections in order to fit on the small metal sheets from which it is to be cut. The original image was a raster, and I have converted it to vector. Now I need to be able to send three separate DXF images to the laser cutter. They need to be the same scale, as the three sections, each of which will consist of smaller component parts, need to be fitted together in order to make the complete image. Perhaps I should explain that I am an artist working in metal and enamel. I could easily saw out all the pieces by hand, but a laser will be so very much quicker, and time is money, after all!
I don´t get why you seem to expect splitting an image will not maintain its scale. What I´m missing here?
Did you use inkscape to create the dxf ?
An attempt : notice that the view is in outline mode ("the way the laser cutter sees your design").
Here I want to divide panel_to_split into three parts. I've drawn two closed paths (named left and right) with bezier tool, that will be used to split the panel. I have duplicated both right and left paths and select both and did path > combine to combine them into one path, renamed left+right.
With simplier shapes, one could use left+right and panel_to_split and path > division, to create the three parts.
Polygon, I have not the slightest idea if splitting an image will change the scale of the entire piece. I don't know how to split an image into three parts, which of course is why I'm asking. I was just making sure that splitting it would not change the scale - I'm not a computer nerd, nor am I any kind of expert, which is why I am asking these questions. I simply use the infernal machine to the best of my ability; I don't particularly enjoy it. It's a not-very-welcome means to an end, not an end in itself. If I knew how to do these things, I wouldn't need to ask, would I ... ?
David 248
Thank you. That will probably help when I get to grips with what the bezier thing is. ...😊 At least it makes some kind of sense, for which I am grateful. Thanks again.
I´d say depends on your image. In essence you need 3 copies of your image in place and 3 rectangles side by side - then select left rectangle and one copy of the image and go Path->Intersection - then the middle rectangle plus another copy and go Path->intersection and repeat one last time. You can during export explicit tell to export just what you have selected.