How to crop an image using Inkscape

Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor. Many will compare Inkscape with the likes of Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw. Unlike its counterparts, Inkscape is free. It can be used to create or edit vector graphics such as illustrations, diagrams, line arts, charts, logos, and complex paintings. Even though Inkscape’s primary format is SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), raster graphics are supported. You can, therefore, bring your raster images (png, jpg, etc) into the software and crop them easily. The following paragraphs will show you several ways to crop an image with Inkscape. You can crop a picture into different shapes and sizes, remove image background, create transparent backgrounds, and put an image into letters.

Bringing an image into Inkscape

Getting your preferred image into Inkscape can be done by dragging and dropping the picture onto the Inkscape screen. Alternatively, you can navigate to File > Open… and select the required image.

Cropping

1. Crop an image using shapes

Inkscape has an array of shapes to choose from, including circle, rectangle, and polygons. And if a shape doesn’t exist, you can create one from scratch by combining other shapes.

• From the side menu, select the required shape and draw it on the image, using whatever dimensions you please.
• Adjust the position of the drawn shape on the image. You may want to change the color or drop the opacity of the shape, so as to ease your adjustments. Make sure that the drawn shape is on top of the image. If not sure, select the shape and click on Object > Raise to Top.
• Then, select both the image and the shape, and go to Object > Clip > Set.

 

 

2. Crop an image using the pen tool

The Inkscape Bezier pen is very versatile in the way it lets one draw custom shapes and figures. Using the pen tool, you can either draw a specific shape or trace paths along with the image. This method is particularly useful when you want to remove an image background or make a transparent background in Inkscape.

• Get the bezier pen tool from the side toolbar or using the keyboard command Shift+F6.
• Draw a shape or trace an object on top of the image. Ensure that the pen tracing is on top of the image.
• Finally, select both the pen drawing and the image, then go to Object > Clip > Set.

 

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3. How to put image in letters using Inkscape

With Inkscape, you can easily put images/pictures in letters using the clip tool. Putting images into letters follows a similar procedure as used above, as well as other added steps:

1. Firstly, bring your image into Inkscape.
2. Using the Text tool, write any word of your choice on top of the image. Select an appropriate font and size.
3. Click on the text, and navigate to Path > Object to path. Once an object is converted into a path, the object loses some of its pre-existing features. In this case, the text font can no longer be changed.
4. With the text still selected, right-click and Ungroup. Alternatively, you may go to Object > Ungroup. This step is important because grouped objects cannot be clipped.
5. The previous step will separate the letters. Click on all the letters and go to Path > Union. This will join all the individual letters into one path.
6. Finally, select both the image and text, then access the tool in Object > Clip > Set. Assuming every step was followed, the image should now be in the letters.