Manually close the scan dialog window since you are done with it. The scanned image will be output exactly on top of the original, so it may not look like anything happened, but we will soon find out in the next step. Once you are done, click OK once to execute the scan. If you see some details missing, increase the number of scans and update the preview again. Select the Grays option, set the number of scans to 2, and check the box for Remove Background.Ĭlick the Update button in the preview to see a rough preview (the end result will be higher quality). With the newly imported image selected, click Path > Trace Bitmap.Ī dialog window will appear. An import dialog will pop-up, click OK to accept the defaults. In Inkscape, click File > Import and locate the image you just saved. You can search for images online or take a digital photo of a line drawing you made.

High contrast images work best such as black and white line drawings, outlines, and silhouettes. If you haven’t yet installed Inkscape, download it for free (Mac, Windows, or Linux) and then run the installer.

This will convert the pixels of the bitmap into line paths that a machine (like a lasercutter) can follow. In this how-to we will show you how to trace a bitmap image in Inkscape to create a vector image. Inkscape is a free vector drawing program that can be used for creating design files for CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines such as a lasercutter, electronic (vinyl) cutter, milling machine and more.

Inkscape vector library