Inkscape logo shape cropped out of a blue colored mountain landscape with the words in the sky that say, Inkscape crop image.

5 Easy Steps To Crop An Image in Inkscape

  • Adam Douglas

Inkscape may be a free open source vector graphic editor, but that doesn’t mean the software cannot handle raster images. One of those features we will be using today is called clipping, which will allow for cropping an image. This may seem like a complicated process to some, but let me assure you this is a very common task that is quite simple to achieve with the step-by-step instructions to help guide you along the entire process. You have the choice of choosing between two methods to crop an image, “Crop by Clipping an Object” or “Crop by Clipping a Path”.

What is Cropping?

The removal of unwanted outer areas of an image. In other words, only the area that is selected will remain, and the outer portion will be deleted.

Environment

  • Steps tested using Inkscape v1.2.1.

Crop By Clipping An Object

The clip method works by having an object, path or vector shape on top of an image to clip or cut an area out of the image based upon the shape created. Another way to look at this is, it’s a digital form of using a cookie cutter to cut out a shape from dough.

Video demonstration of cropping an image by clipping an object

  1. Import image into Inkscape.

    In the menu go to “File” > “Import” or use the keyboard shortcut, CTRL + I to import a raster image (e.g. jpg, png, webp).

  2. Draw a shape over the image.

    You can use any desired shape (e.g. circle, rectangle, square, star, etc.).

    Note: The shape or object must be on top of the image.

  3. Select image and shape.

    With the “Select and transform object tool” (S) hold down the shift key and then left mouse click on the image and shape to select both of them at once.

  4. Clip object.

    In the menu go to “Object” > “Clip” > “Set” or right mouse click on the shape or object and than left mouse click on “Set Clip”.

  5. Resize your document.

    Depending on the circumstance, you may have empty space around the cropped image which may not desired. This can easily be removed.

    1. Go to the menu “File” > “Document properties” or use the keyboard shortcut, CTRL + Shift + D.
    2. Under the “Display” tab left mouse click on the button beside “Resize to content”.
    3. Close the Document properties dialog by left mouse clicking on the “x”.

Crop By Clipping a Path

This is very similar to the previous method and only major difference is the pen tool or drawing tool is being used. Using this method does allow for creating a free form shape since each node on the path can be manually adjusted individually.

Video demonstration of cropping an image by clipping a path

  1. Import image into Inkscape.

    In the menu go to “File” > “Import” or use the keyboard shortcut, CTRL + I to import a raster image (e.g. jpg, png, webp).

  2. Draw a path.

    Using the pen tool or drawing tool, create a path around the area that you wish to crop.

  3. Select image and shape.

    With the “Select and transform object tool” (S) hold down the shift key and then left mouse click on the image and shape to select both of them at once.

  4. Clip object.

    In the menu go to “Object” > “Clip” > “Set” or right mouse click on the shape or object and then left mouse click on “Set Clip”.

  5. Resize your document.

    Depending on the circumstance, you may have empty space around the cropped image which may not desired. This can easily be removed.

    1. Go to the menu “File” > “Document properties” or use the keyboard shortcut, CTRL + Shift + D.
    2. Under the “Display” tab left mouse click on the button beside “Resize to content”.
    3. Close the Document properties dialog by left mouse clicking on the “x”.

Tips

  • Multiple shapes or objects can be created and then cropped as long as all the shapes are grouped together
  • Use a shape or object color that is easily visible and identifiable (e.g. red)
  • Set the shape or object opacity to 50% to help with visibility of the area that will be cropped

This is post 52 of 100, and is round 2 of the 100 Days To Offload challenge.

    • add Inkscape version
    • remove tag inkscape
    • change topic
    • change 100DaysToOffload message

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