Converting Unsecured Inkscape SVG Files to Image Maps

As a graphic designer, you may have encountered issues when trying to convert unsecured Inkscape SVG files to image maps. In my case, I faced the challenge of converting a complex SVG file that contained many paths and curves. After some trial and error, I discovered some important rules that the SVG file must meet in order to be successfully converted.

One of the key issues was detecting the end nodes of each path and joining them together. This process can be tedious, especially if you have multiple paths with complex curves. To make matters worse, Inkscape's built-in functionality for joining end nodes is limited, and I had to rely on extensions to get the job done.

One of the most useful extensions I used was 'Flatten Beziers,' which allowed me to set the level of flatness and keep the graphics looking as close to the original as possible. This extension is particularly important when working with graphics that contain many curves, as it helps to preserve the integrity of the design.

Another important rule I discovered is that the SVG file must be in a specific format for conversion to work correctly. Specifically, the paths must be straight lines without any Bézier curve. This may seem obvious, but it's easy to overlook when working with complex graphics.

Thanks to some information found on Launchpad and after many trial and error tests, I was able to successfully convert my SVG file into a HTML image map. The process involved selecting all the nodes of each path and using Inkscape's 'Join selected end nodes with a new segment' option. This action ignores already joined nodes and creates a new segment between the end nodes.

In addition to these rules, it's also important to note that some SVG files may not be compatible with InkscapeMap. In my case, I encountered an error message stating 'c not implemented yet,' which was frustrating but ultimately led me to discover more about the requirements for conversion.

Overall, converting unsecured Inkscape SVG files to image maps requires attention to detail and a willingness to experiment. By understanding the rules and using the right tools, you can successfully convert your graphics and share them with others.

Unsecured file inkscape svg