Inkscape Potrace Settings Explained
Inkscape exposes Potrace controls through Trace Bitmap. Each control changes a different part of the result, so adjust one setting at a time and inspect the generated paths instead of relying on a universal preset.
Steps
- 1
Keep the source bitmap visible and generate a baseline trace before changing any control.
- 2
Adjust the threshold only far enough to preserve the intended silhouette, gaps, counters, and light details.
- 3
Tune speckle suppression while checking that noise disappears without erasing intentional small marks.
- 4
Compare corner and smoothing changes around deliberate angles, rounded shapes, and uneven raster edges.
- 5
Apply path optimization cautiously, then inspect narrow gaps, notches, curves, and node density.
- 6
Keep the least complex result that preserves the design and remove unwanted background shapes before export.
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Open Protected Vector PreviewAbout Inkscape Potrace settings explained
Threshold controls which bitmap tones become part of the traced foreground. Move it only far enough to recover the intended silhouette, then check narrow gaps, counters inside letters, and light details that may have merged or disappeared.
Speckle suppression ignores small isolated regions. Increasing it can remove scan dust and compression noise, but it can also erase punctuation, small logo details, or intentional texture. Compare the trace with the source before accepting the cleanup.
Corner and smoothing controls affect how Potrace fits curves around the detected outline. More smoothing can calm uneven raster edges, while too much can round deliberate corners. Less smoothing preserves angular geometry but may retain bumps from a poor source image.
Path optimization reduces redundant nodes after the outline is fitted. A simpler path is easier to edit, but aggressive simplification can move tight curves, close narrow gaps, or soften notches. Judge the result at its intended display size and again at high zoom.
Use an inspection loop: keep the raster visible, change one control, generate a trace, move the result beside the source, and inspect outer contours, holes, corners, small marks, and node density. Keep the version that preserves the design with the least unnecessary geometry.
After tracing, remove unwanted background shapes and inspect the final SVG in Inkscape before export. The general Trace Bitmap guide covers broader mode choices; this page focuses on how the Potrace controls change path quality.