I am using GIMP 2.8.10 and inkscape 0.91 on Windows. I want to:
- Manipulate a photo in GIMP's .xcf format by removing the background -- it should be transparent.
- Export the image in .png format.
- Import the .png into an Inkscape .svg document. Thanks to transparency, I should be able to see the lines in the layer beneath, unlike this screen shot where the white background blocks them:
- Print the .svg document with the background transparent instead of black.
Right now, if I print what is above but with a transparent background for the picture, I get a black square with a tree on it.
In this particular case, I can use a white background for the picture and simply put that layer beneath the one with the lines. But this will be inadequate as complexity increases.
I've tried a dozen permutations for both GIMP export (alpha channel for layer, .png export settings such as transparent pixels, etc.) and Inkscape import and preferences (alpha background color).
I could export from Inkscape to .png, but surely that isn't necessary.
Can you describe a successful trip from GIMP to Inkscape, step-by-step?
Update:
I ran across posts that discuss layer opacity in Inkscape and also a recognized bug. I decided to export to .png for my printing.