Crop Images in Inkscape with Clipping

Inkscape makes it extremely easy to crop images so that you get to use only what you need. This Clipping process can be applied to any object.

For the FlyerTutor website, I designed a Flyer Template for a Fashion Show with an image that I loved, however it was not in the order that I would have preferred for the flyer. 

I downloaded this Free Public Domain image from the Open Clip Art Library. When I imported the Clip Art into the Inkscape program, I soon discovered that it could not be ungrouped. So now I'll show you the 7 easy steps it took to get 3 separate images from 1.

As you can see, there are 3 fashion models that need to be separated. so we'll need to create 2 Duplicates.

Step 1

Select the image using the Select Tool from the Tool Box, then select your Ctrl and D keys together, 2 times. This will create 2 Duplicates directly behind the original image, even though you can't see them. You can leave them there for now or move each one out if you'd like.

Step 2

Select the Rectangle Tool. Draw a Rectangle over the 1st model. 

If your Rectangle does not have a color, select any color on the Color Palette located at the bottom of the window. For the purpose of this tutorial have choosen Maroon. 

Step 3

Next change the Rectangle's Opacity. In the bottom left hand corner of the window, set the O for Opacity to 50 instead of 100. 

You will now be able to see the model behind the Rectangle.This ensures that you will be able to see that you are getting the parts of the image you want selected. Make adjustments to the rectangle with the Select Tool if you need. 

Step 4

While holding down the Shift Key, click on the original image to select both objects together. 

Step 5

Go up to the Menu Bar and select Object > Clip > Set. 

Click on the Select Tool. 8 Position and Size Arrows will be visible around the 1 model. You can move her away from the original image. The other part of the image has disappeared and now you will be able to see the 1st Duplicate Image. 

Step 6

Repeat the process, by placing a new Rectangle over the 2nd model.

Move her away from the main image.

Step 7
Repeat for the 3rd model.

Notice that the original image disappears and you will be left with the 3rd stand alone model.

Once the last model has been cropped, you will have 3 separated models. You will be able to move each one around freely.

Here's an example of Clipping done on Royalty Free Stock Photos in a Flower Shop Flyer Template.

Try out this neat feature of Inkscape.