Clipped objects that become invisible cannot be unclipped

Summary:

If an object (A) is clipped with another object (B) such that they don't overlap, the clipped object (A) will become invisible. It can be selected still (e.g. using the Objects dialog). However, even if it is selected, it is impossible to remove its clipping.

Steps to reproduce:

  • Open Inkscape.
  • Draw a rectangle.
  • Draw a circle, not overlapping the rectangle.
  • Select both, go to Object > Clip > Set.
  • Both objects will no longer be visible.
  • Open the Objects dialog via Object > Objects...
  • Select the clipped object.
  • Go to Object > Clip > Release.

What happened?

Nothing will have happened. No operation will have even been made, according to the undo history.

What should have happened?

The object would have been unclipped, which would have returned the original rectangle object and circle object.

Example:

clip_glitch.svg

Above you can find an SVG file with a rectangle clipped by a circle. In the Objects dialog, you can find rect9, and attempt to remove its clip that way.

Notes:

  • If the object that will dictate the clipping is a clone, the same problem will happen -- in this scenario, the clone's original can be scaled in order to make the clipped object visible or invisible, which easily demonstrates the problem.
  • The problem also happens with masks, though only in the case where the mask does not overlap with the other object. If the mask overlaps but is fully black, this problem will not occur.
  • It is also not possible to remove the clip using the context menu in the Objects dialog.

Version Info:

  • Inkscape Version: 1.0.1 (3bc2e813f5, 2020-09-07)
  • Operating System: Lubuntu
  • Operating System version: Lubuntu 16.04, 4.4.0-197-generic 64-bit