Allow for a layer to be nonprintable

[Bug Importer]

In previous versions of Inkscape (0.40)there was an attribute
sodipodu:unprintable that you could set to True or False. This has been
removed and it was a very usefule feature. I had heard that it was removed
becuase it could get confusing if a layer wasn't being printed. If you
removed all of the featues that were confusing the product would be a lot
less useful. Please consider adding this back into the product.

[Horkana-users (horkana-users)]

Originator: NO

> In previous versions of Inkscape (0.40)

that is a very old version of inkscape. substantial changes have been
made since then. if you have not already done so please try out the latest
version.

(I haven't checked yet in any great detail but does hiding layers not fit
the same purpose?)

> I had heard that it was removed becuase

if you have read something on the mailing list archives or changelog then
providing a link to the relevant section would be helpful.

if you would also explain why exactly you need this feature it might help
developers figure out a better way to offer the functionality without
confusing other users.

> If you removed all of the featues that were confusing the product would
be a lot less useful.

A significant part of the reason why Inkscape has become more popular than
Sodipodi ever was is because of the focus on usability. Hopefully the
functionality you require can be provided in a way that doesn't make it
harder for others to use inkscape and then everyone wins.

[Horkana-users (horkana-users)]

Originator: NO

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[Bug Importer (bug-importer)]

Thank you for responding.
I have downloaded the latest version. Unfortunately I did not see
anything that would resolve my issue.
What I need to do is deliver a product to my customers that they would
have the ability to change one layer but not the other. The user layer
will be the text they they type on and is basically a blank page. The
other layer is a template that we provide that I want them to see but not
be able to change. Is there a way that I can do that using any current
feature? I don't think that hiding layers is secure enough. I want them
to be able to see the template layer, just not be able to print or edit the
template layer.

[Bug Importer (bug-importer)]

i must agree with the submitter: i also think that would be a useful
option.. i use this (on oodraw) when i need a complex layer (that must not
be printed) to be used as "guide" for other layers. i use this kind of
non-printable-layers also for adding something like, more-or-less, "notes"
and "standardized" object (that i use somewhere else on the image).

[Lenge (spampot)]

I'd also like to request this feature, because it is extremely useful for layer based "guide" objects, hints and remarks.
I suggest to do it like CorelDraw does:

In CorelDraw (X3), the "Object Manager" dockable has three options for each layer: "Visible" (eye symbol), "Printable" (printer symbol), and "Editable" (pen symbol). Any layer that has the "printable" option disabled will only be shown on screen (unless "visible" is disabled), but NOT in the printout.

In Inkscape (0.47), the "Layers" dockable has quite similar options for "visible" (eye symbol) and "locked" (lock symbol, equals "editable" in Corel) options. So I suggest to add a "printable" option here just like in CorelDraw.

In reply to comment #1: Yes, hiding a layer will also prevent it from being printed in Inkscape, but it is much more convenient to be able to retain on-screen visibility for "guide-type" auxiliary layers instead of having to switch them to invisible before each printing and making them visible again after each printing.