SquiggleDraw Inkscape Extension

NOTE: this repo does not yet include an installer. You can copy the .inx and .py files to your extension folder on your computer and things will work. (See: Inkscape Documentation on Installing Extensions)

Inkscape 1.3+ "native" version of the SquiggleDraw Processing app.

This extension will convert the brightness or color intensity of a grayscale or color image into sinewave SVG paths that can then be pen plotted, laser engraved, or used for any purpose you desire!

There are user-editable parameters for how detailed the resulting paths are, the intensity and density of the sinewaves, and how the paths are rendered.

Features:

• Control over the number of rows and columns
• Size of the Squiggles
• Frequency of the Squiggles
• Inverting the image colors
• Path direction:
  • -> (Left-to-Right)
  • <- (Right-to-Left)
  • Connected ends (Back and forth)
• Modes:
  • Single-color mode
  • CMYK color mode

This is a complete rewrite with the new version of the primary algorithm, taking into account differences in programming language and host application.

Compared to the Processing version, this extension:

• is faster
• can handle large images with ease (memory-dependent)
• produces smoother "squiggles"
• can output CMYK color separations for use with CMY pens
• can process transparent images (makes background white)

How to use:

1. Select the image you want to convert.
2. Go to the top menus Extensions -> Render -> SquiggleDraw
3. Enable Live preview check box (if desired)
4. Experiment with parameters until you are happy with the results
5. Click Apply

Notes:

• This extension has only been tested with Inkscape 1.3, but might work in previous versions.
• CMYK is actually CMY due to the way Inkscape converts RGB to CMYK (they remove K). C + M + Y will produce K when overlapping ("rich black") and with cyan, magenta, and yellow ink pens, plots should mix appropriately.
• If your image is too big and is crushing Inkscape, you can scale it down and use Inkscape's "Edit -> Make a Bitmap Copy" feature before using this extension. Be aware that the "Make a Bitmap Copy" feature can produce unexpected or inconsistent results. It is more reliable to create and scale your bitmaps outside of Inkscape.

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