Creating Halftone images and patterns in Inkscape

How to Create Tiled Clones with a “tone” object element

Create any shape you would like for tone element – oval, circle or any other.
Select shape, goto to in Inkscape menu: [Edit]->[Clone]->[Create Tiled Clones..]
Tiled Clones
In “Create Tiled Clones” dialog window choose how many rows and columns you need, and press [Create]
Tiled clones dialog
The Original object (dublicate) of clones is in 1 row, column 1 – you can move it freely, clones are not moved, but when changed in form, it changes clones with form changes accordingly.
if you unhappy with result, click [Remove] in dialog.

2. How to Create Tiled Clones on an image based by transparency

Import an image with transparency or create objects with transparency, send it to back. Try to position it, that to be created tiled clones would lay on the image or objects.
Select object to be cloned, go to [Create Tiled Clones] dialog [Trace] section:
important!: Check Trace the drawing under the clones/sprayed items and choose mode Opacity in “Pick form the drawing”

Create Tiled Clones – trace Image
Also check “Size” in “Apply value to the clone’s“
try to guess needed columns and rows for clones
Press [Create]

3. How to Create Tiled Clones on an image based by color value

Import an image preferably with back transparency, try to position it so, that to be created tiled clones would lay on the image.
Select object to be cloned, go to [Create Tiled Clones] dialog [Trace] section:
important!: Check Trace the drawing under the clones/sprayed items and choose mode COLOR in “1. Pick form the drawing:”
If you want to get shadows or vice versa highlights of the image, toggle check “Invert” in “2. Tweak: the picked value:”
Also check “Size” in “3. Apply value to the clone’s“
Put image dimensions in Width, height: In my example it’s 163mm
If clones gets too wide spread, try to uncheck mark from “Use saved size and position of the tile”
Press [Create]

Half tone image tracing example

About the Author: markoze

I'm an exploring artist, illustrator and creator of digital media (2D graphics, illustrations and 3D designs). I share my works, tutorials, tips, free art, items and tools. I also create websites (and apps) for organizations, communities, groups, people movements, faith organizations and more.