Inkscape

how do I hide the background layer

Asked by Jerry Dercks

I open a scanned hand drawn image that I want to use as a template. I create layer/s on top of it where I draw the objects for the finished work. How do I hide/show the background image as I work to view my progress and how do I save only the layers for the final drawing? Why isn't the background it's own layer? When I create my first layer why don't I see two layers in the Layers menu (Background and Layer 1)? I'm sure I am missing something obvious because this seems like a pretty common way to work, but I just don't get it. Thanks for any help you can give me.

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su_v (suv-lp) said : 		#1

> I open a scanned hand drawn image that I want to use as a template.
It is recommended to _import_ the bitmap image into Inkscape: this will place it in Layer 1 and not in the <root> layer (when you _open_ the bitmap image directly). You can then use the layer dialog to manage the visibility and lock state of the layer containing the scanned image.

If your image is on the root layer, you can cut it, activate a layer you want to place it and paste it in place on the new layer (using 'Edit > Paste in Place').

> Why isn't the background it's own layer?
See related bug reports:

Bug #166615 “hide (root) in layer list when there's a normal layer”
Bug #166625 “root-level items trapped in root after first layer created”
Bug #394503 “bitmap files get Opened into layer 'root'”
Bug #488561 “Object still visible when all layers switched off.”

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