How to Convert PNG to SVG in Inkscape: Step-by-Step
Inkscape's Trace Bitmap feature converts any PNG to SVG for free with no conversion limits. Here's the exact workflow and the best settings for each image type.
Why use Inkscape for PNG to SVG conversion?
Inkscape uses the Potrace algorithm — the same engine behind most paid SVG converters — with zero conversion limits and zero cost. The advantage over online tools is manual control: you can adjust every tracing parameter and immediately preview the result. The disadvantage is workflow: every conversion is manual, there's no batch processing, and you need to install and learn the software. For high-volume conversions or when you want speed, imagetosvg.com is faster. For maximum control over individual images, Inkscape wins.
Step-by-step: Trace Bitmap in Inkscape
Open Inkscape and import your PNG via File → Import (or Ctrl+I). Click on the imported image to select it. Open Trace Bitmap from the Path menu (Path → Trace Bitmap, or Shift+Alt+B). The dialog has three sections: mode selection at top, options in the middle, and a preview. Click Update Preview to see the result before applying. When satisfied, click OK. A vector copy is placed directly on top of the raster image — click away to deselect, then delete the original PNG underneath, leaving only the vector path.
- File → Import → select your PNG
- Click the image to select it
- Path → Trace Bitmap (Shift+Alt+B)
- Choose mode, click Update Preview
- Click OK to generate the trace
- Delete the raster image underneath the new vector
- File → Save As → Plain SVG
Best Trace Bitmap settings for each image type
The mode you choose in Trace Bitmap determines trace quality. For logos and icons on white background: Brightness Cutoff, Threshold 0.45. For hand-drawn line art: Edge Detection mode produces cleaner line results. For multi-color clipart: switch to Colors mode (Colors tab) with 8–16 colors. For photographs: don't use Trace Bitmap — photos vectorize poorly regardless of settings; use imagetosvg.com's VTracer mode for photos instead.
| Image Type | Mode | Key Setting | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logo on white | Brightness Cutoff | Threshold: 0.45 | Increase contrast first |
| Hand-drawn line art | Edge Detection | Threshold: 0.65 | High contrast scan |
| Multi-color clipart | Colors | Colors: 8–16 | Uncheck 'Stack scans' |
| Black and white art | Brightness Cutoff | Threshold: 0.50 | Simplify after tracing |
| Photograph | Not recommended | — | Use imagetosvg.com instead |
Cleaning up after tracing
Raw Trace Bitmap output often has extra nodes and rough edges. Three cleanup steps improve quality significantly. First, run Path → Simplify (Ctrl+L) to reduce node count while preserving shape. Second, use the Node editor (N key) to manually smooth any rough corners that matter — drag Bézier handles. Third, save as Plain SVG (not Inkscape SVG) — the Inkscape format adds editor metadata that bloats the file and can cause issues in some SVG consumers.
- Path → Simplify (Ctrl+L) — reduces node count automatically
- Node editor (N) — fix specific rough corners manually
- Save as Plain SVG — removes Inkscape metadata
- Check file in browser (drag SVG to Chrome) before final use
- For Cricut: verify each color group is a separate layer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inkscape's PNG to SVG conversion free?
Yes. Inkscape is completely free and open-source with no conversion limits. Download it at inkscape.org. The only cost is time — the manual workflow takes 2–5 minutes per image versus under 10 seconds with imagetosvg.com.
Why does my Inkscape trace look jagged?
Jagged traces are caused by anti-aliased edges in the PNG (blurred pixels at color boundaries). Fix: increase image contrast in any photo editor before tracing, or lower the Threshold value in Brightness Cutoff mode. Also try enabling 'Smooth corners' in Trace Bitmap options.
What's better — Inkscape or an online SVG converter?
For quick conversions, imagetosvg.com is faster (seconds vs minutes) and produces optimized output automatically. For fine-tuned control over complex images, Inkscape's manual settings give more options. Both use the same Potrace algorithm for black-and-white traces.
Can Inkscape trace multi-color images?
Yes — use the Colors mode in Trace Bitmap (the Colors tab, not the Brightness Cutoff tab). Set Colors to 8–16 for most clipart. Higher values give more color detail but create more paths. Uncheck 'Stack scans' for cleaner color separation.
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