How to create vectors (.SVG) with Inkscape

In this tutorial I’m going to explain how you can use Inkscape to create Scalable Vector Graphics or SVG files. Inkscape is a free vector graphic design alternative software similar to Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw, only it doesn’t cost you a penny. It is maybe not as powerful as its higher priced rivals, but certainly powerful enough to design high quality vector graphics. I use this method to create SVG files that can then be imported into Sure Cuts a Lot, which is a program that allows the Cricut to cut out any image without using the costly cartridges.

While doing research for this tutorial I was surprised to see how many awesome uses there are for inkscape some of the best I came across are here, here, here and here. These teach you everything from making stamps to creating graphics and flyers and thought they could be useful to a lot of you out there.

First you will need to go to Inkscape and download the latest version 0.47.  We’ll need a graphic to work with, silhouettes as well as anything that is black and white would work best for what we want to accomplish.

For this tutorial I’m going to use this one. Right click and save image to your desktop. Open Inkscape. Then open the cat we just downloaded. (File>open>black cat silhouette)

Next click on the image so you see arrows on all side and corners of the outline box around your image.  Next we’re going to click on Path>Trace Bitmap (Shift+Alt+B). You’ll see the Trace  Bitmap window pop open with an outline of our image, Click update and then Click Ok.

Next we need to save it, so click File>Save as. Change the image extension from .jpg to .svg in the drop down box.

If you don’t want to download Inkscape (which I highly recommend because it’s free), you can always use Vector Magic. This online software converts bitmap images to scalable vector graphic art with the world's best auto-tracing software for you. You get 2 free tokens which can be used to convert 2 separate images into vectors. It gives two pricing options $7.95 monthly or desktop edition at $295 for each license. We can use this image to download. Then go back to the main screen of Vector Magic so we can upload the image we just downloaded click the  “Upload Image to Trace…” button. You will see the image open in a split window. At the top right you will see a button that reads “Download Result” with a big green arrow. Click on that, the next screen will ask you to sign up for a free account, which you can do. You will then need to use the email verification code to activate your account and then you will be able to complete your image download from an .svg format.

There you have it, an easy way to create your very on vectors.