Inkscape Trace Bitmap Vector Path Grouping Behavior

Answer

Inkscape's Trace Bitmap wraps generated vector paths in a single SVG <g> group. Each traced region or scan level becomes a <path> child of that group. The group is independent of the source raster image; deleting the raster does not delete or ungroup the traced paths. The hierarchy is inspectable through the SVG DOM.

Confirmed facts

• Trace Bitmap output is enclosed in a parent <g> element.
• Individual traces appear as <path> elements inside that group.
• The source raster and the traced group are separate DOM nodes.
• Deleting the source raster leaves the traced vector group intact and editable.
• The grouping is inspectable programmatically through the SVG DOM.

Likely explanation and uncertainty

The group exists so the trace can be selected and transformed as one object. Nested grouping for complex multi-scan traces may differ between Inkscape 0.92 and the 1.x series; treat that version-specific detail as unverified until confirmed in your build.

Verification steps

1. Run Path > Trace Bitmap on a raster image.
2. Open the XML Editor (Ctrl+Shift+X) and confirm a <g> element containing <path> children.
3. Delete the original raster object and verify the traced group remains selectable.
4. Save as Plain SVG and inspect the file for <g> and <path> tags.

Missing diagnostic detail

Which Inkscape version are you using? This changes the recommendation only if you need to script against nested groups in complex multi-scan traces.