No.1
Creating a Scalable Vector Graphic from a Bitmap Image using the GIMP and Inkscape:
Step 1: Open the GIMP and open an image of a car as on the left. It is important to have a reasonable quality image. The one I chose was 2024 × 1274 pixels at 72 dpi. This is a typical digital camera shot between 1 and 2 megapixels and is a good size for this exercise.
I will show you how to remove the background from this Image and place it on a Transparent background. This will give you a 'floating' image of the car you can place on a different background.
Step 2: Use the navigator to zoom in close. see the square in the navigator viewer below. This shows the area I want to Zoom to.
Step 3: Next I want you to choose the Paths Tool from the GIMP toolbox.
I then want you to carefully click around the outside of the car using small distances between clicks in order to capture as much detail as possible. While you have the Paths Tools selected you can use the slide bars to move around the Image and keep clicking until you have gone right around the image and end up at the point where you started. Then change tools to the Move Tool.
Step 4: Choose Select > From Path from the menu above your image.
Step 5: See the little 'marching ants' around the selection.
Step 6: Choose Edit > Copy from the menu. This will cut the selected area from the image and save it to the clipboard.
Step 7: Choose Edit > New from the menu
Step 8:The GIMP will by default create a blank image the same size and resolution as the one you have open. Choose the settings I have and make sure you don't forget to set Fill with Transparency
Step 9: Choose Edit > Paste to copy the selection of the car from the clipboard. Your car should appear as the one below, floating on a transparent background.
Step 10: Choose Layer > Anchor Layer from the menu.
Step 11: Select the Paths Tool again and carefully click around the inside of the windscreen. I am doing this to make the windscreen free of the background image.
Step 12: Choose Select > From Path from the menu above your image. Then choose Edit > Cut to remove the area inside the windscreen.
Step 13: Your Image should now look like the one on the right. Save this Image as a .PNG file from the GIMP. This will retain the transparent background.
Step 14: Open Inkscape and choose File > Import to select the .png file of the car we have just saved.
Set Inkscapes page to an A4 Landscape. Scale the Image to fit on the page as on the right.
Step15: Choose Path > Trace Bitmap
Step 16: Choose the settings as I have in the dialog box on the right. Click the OK button and wait until the Trace is complete.
Step 17:Use the Select Tool to move the new Traced Vector image away from the Photo underneath. Then select the Photo Image and delete it
Step 18: You now have a Scalable Vector Graphic Image that you can Ungroup and edit. I added some text, a Logo and shapes to finish the design off.
Skill Level :This exercise is designed for those students who have already learned the basics of both of these programs although it is still quite a simple exercise.
