Save multilayered Image

[Rich-TX]

I am removing the background around a subject and on a second raster layer producing a cut out of the image. Effects>3D Effects>Cutout. I am wanting to save both layers as one image and open them in InkScape to produce a vector of the silhouette (cutout). How can I save these two layer so that both will be intact when I open them? I am a newbie on a trial addition and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

[Rich-TX]

Just to add something further. I notice when I save to a file type I would expect to open with layers Paintshop tells me that due to the limitations of the file type or the way in which I have chosen to save the file will be merged. Does that make sense?

Rich

[LeviFiction]

The only two formats that PSP uses that properly supports layers are PSD and PSPImage.

Inkscape cannot read either natively. Though I believe there is a PSD import extension for Inkscape.

Might I suggest that you save an image that is only the sillouhette and bring that into Inkscape? You can then save the two layers as a PSPImage file and not have to worry about compatibility between the two programs.

[Radim]

I believe there is a PSD import extension for Inkscape.

Link for this site, please.

[Rich-TX]

Thanks for the extension. But I need (hope) to import both layers together. I guess I didn’t explain what I am hoping to do. I intend to print the raster image along with registration marks. I will mount the image to a substrate and put it in a CNC machine. I will then send the vector layer and registration marks to Cut2D and then to the CNC. MY fear is that if the layers are handled separately they will end up scaled slightly differently. If so the CNC will cut way outside the image or into it. But since the extension ignores the raster information it is looking like I may not be able to do this the way I wish to. But thanks for the help and any other ideas would be great.

Rich

[LeviFiction]

I can't promise great results with this method, since I have none of what you have so I can't test it first. But, yes, the idea is to make PSP and Inkscape match each other before importing each individual layer into Inkscape.

1) Figure out the exact size of the print you're going to make and make an image that size in inkscape and that size in PSP. Make sure you're using the same DPI and print Width and Height settings.

For example I believe Inkscape uses 90 PPI, so you need to make sure the image inside of PSP is also using 90ppi.

So long as they use the same number of pixels to represent a specific physical size scaling should be kept to a minimum.

You can also use this to calculate how many inches/mm in from the edges you need to go since it'll be a set value.

2) Export Each layer as it's own image preserving transparency. So, a PNG file would work

3) Save the entire file, preserving layers, into either a PSD or PSPImage file. For safe keeping.

4) Import both rasters into Inkscape separately. The background layer first

5) Align the images to the page. They should now both be inside Inkscape at exactly the same size and position as they were inside of PSP.

I also made a video showing this method in practice http://youtu.be/aheuLvJ4uxc

[Rich-TX]

Thank you very much for the suggestion and taking the time to do the video. The dpi explains why when I tried something like this my images were being resized. I will try it this evening.

Rich