Inkscape

Copied objects not paths

Asked by Melinda Fleming

When I unify objects that were created separately, it works.
When I copy one of those objects, and try to unify the copied object with another original object, it won't.
(I tested the original object before Undoing the union - it unifies just fine.)

So: the COPIED objects somehow are no longer paths.
Says: "One or more objects not a path".

Multiple tests across multiple objects show that originally created objects unify just fine.
The moment I try to unify with a COPIED object, it has a problem.

Any ideas?

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su_v (suv-lp) said : 		#1

Do you happen to use Inkscape on a Mac?

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Best su_v (suv-lp) said : 		#2

In case you do use Inkscape on a Mac:

Due to a known conflict between XQuartz and vector applications like Inkscape and Fontforge, vector objects copied to the system clipboard are pasted as bitmap images (tracked for Inkscape in bug #307005). The inserted bitmap images hold no vector information anymore and for example cannot be unified with other paths or shapes ('Union' is a boolean path operation based on vector information).

The unexpected result of paste operations can be verified per object in Inkscape by selecting a pasted copy, and reading the message in the status bar (it provides information about the type of object currently selected, e.g. 'Image XX x YY: embedded in layer (…)' for a pasted copy of a vector object).

As workaround, please change the pasteboard preferences of X11/XQuartz as shown in this screenshot:
<https://bugs.launchpad.net/inkscape/+bug/307005/+attachment/1760181/+files/X11-pasteboard-preferences.png>
The change will take effect immediately (no need to restart Inkscape or XQuartz). However, earlier copy&pasted objects will need to be recreated (there is no possibility to reverse the rasterization which occured during the earlier pasting).

See also this item in the Inkscape FAQ:
<http://inkscape.org/en/learn/faq/#Copying_and_pasting_in_Inkscape_creates_pixellated_images_instead_of_copying_the_vector_objects>

Additionally recommending reading: a brief summary of useful tips for Inkscape users on a Mac:
<http://rhult.github.io/articles/inkscape-tips/>

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Melinda Fleming (melindafleming) said : 		#3

Thank you very much!

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Melinda Fleming (melindafleming) said : 		#4

Thanks ~suv, that solved my question.