Import

If you don't need to keep the image around, it is better to simply link to the file.

Convert to Path

Inkscape includes a tool to convert the bitmap automatically to a path (Tracing Bitmaps)

Path > Trace BitMap

Each trace creates one path and each path is made up of many sub-paths.

Multiple scans:

• A Scans property set to three will give three regions
• Smooth will smooth the bitmap prior to tracing.
• Stack Scans generate paths for mutually exclusive areas or that include all darker regions.
• The Suppress speckles option allows the automatic suppression of paths smaller than the specified size.

Options:

• Optimize paths boxes will result in less node
• Smooth Corners will result in less node

It is easier to clean up a tracing by converting the sub-paths into independent paths. (Path → Break Apart Shift+Ctrl+K)