Inkscape

image with bad reference

Asked by Suzanne Gordon

Every time I import an image and try to view it in outline view, I get a big red
 X across the image and at the bottom of the page it says 'image with bad reference.' Help! I am trying to eliminate double cut lines in Sure Cuts A Lot and I have to be able to use the outline view. I am using a Windows Vista OS.

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su_v (suv-lp) said : 		#1

If you insert / import a bitmap or raster image, you need to convert it into a vector object first. Use the command 'Path > Trace Bitmap…' on the imported image. After tracing you can delete the linked bitmap image and refine the (vector based) traced image using all commands available in Inkscape.

Inkscape tutorial: Tracing
<http://inkscape.org/doc/tracing/tutorial-tracing.html>

Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program | Chapter 16. Tracing Bitmaps
<http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Trace.html>

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Oleg Koptev (koptev-oleg) said : 		#2

also if you want just have original bitmap, or hand-trace bitmap, you could use 'Extensions'~>'Images'~>'Embed Images' as workaround. This will free you from any image reference problem, since bitmap will be embedded in svg file.

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su_v (suv-lp) said : 		#3

@Oleg - can a desktop cutter (used with 'Sure Cuts A Lot' AFAIK) deal with raster images? I assumed it needs vector information (svg, dxf, eps or similar formats)? But then I never used one myself… ;-)

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Oleg Koptev (koptev-oleg) said : 		#4

hello ~suv :)
yeah, I understand that cutter use vector graphic as source (I have old pen plotter btw :D ), but.. in question there was words 'bout 'bad reference' and also I don't know methods, which Suzanne use in work.

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su_v (suv-lp) said : 		#5

@Oleg - you are right!

The question to Suzanne then is
- was the SVG file created on the same computer and maybe moved to a different location without moving the bitmap along with it?
- or is it a leftover after tracing (maybe by the original author of the drawing) and can be safely removed from the drawing without loosing any relevant information or parts of the drawing?

Can you help with this problem?

Provide an answer of your own, or ask Suzanne Gordon for more information if necessary.

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