How to Crop a Raster Image in Inkscape?

Inkscape handles raster images (like PNGs or JPEGs) differently than dedicated photo editors, using a technique called clipping to crop visuals non-destructively. This quick guide covers how to import an image, use the rectangle tool to define your crop area, and apply a clip to hide unwanted parts. You will also learn how to adjust or undo your crop at any point during your design process.

Step 1: Import Your Raster Image

Before you can crop an image, you need to bring it into your Inkscape workspace.

• Go to File > Import in the top menu.
• Select the JPEG or PNG file from your computer and click Open.
• In the dialog box that appears, choose Embed (this saves the image inside the Inkscape file) and click OK.

Step 2: Draw Your Crop Shape

Inkscape uses vector shapes to act as a “cookie cutter” over your image.

• Select the Rectangle Tool (or press R on your keyboard).
• Click and drag directly over your imported image to draw a shape over the exact area you want to keep.
• Tip: Reduce the opacity of your shape in the Fill and Stroke menu if you need to see the image underneath for precise positioning.

Step 3: Apply the Clip to Crop

Once your shape is positioned perfectly over the area you want to keep, you are ready to apply the crop.

• Switch to the Select Tool (press S or click the black arrow icon).
• Hold down the Shift key and click both the raster image and the drawn shape so they are both selected at the same time.
• Go to the top menu and select Object > Clip > Set Clip.

The image outside of your drawn shape will instantly disappear, leaving you with your cropped raster image.

How to Edit or Undo Your Crop

Because Inkscape uses non-destructive clipping, the pixels outside your crop box are not permanently deleted. You can modify your crop at any time.

• To undo the crop: Select the cropped image, go to Object > Clip > Release Clip. This separates your original image and the vector shape again.
• To adjust the crop area: Select the cropped image and press N to activate the Node Tool. This allows you to drag the corners of your original crop shape to resize or reshape the visible area without releasing the clip.