An Inkscape Extension which works like Object|Clip|Set except that the paths clipped are actually modified.
Thus the clipping is included when exported, for example as a DXF file. Select two or more paths then choose Extensions|Modify path|Destructive clip. The topmost path will be used to clip the others.
Notes:-
- Curves (including Arcs) in paths are not supported (use Extensions|Modify path|Flatten Beziers).
- Non-path objects in the selection will be ignored. Use Object|Ungroup.
- Paths entirely outside the clipping path will remain untouched (rather than modifying them to an empty path)
- Complex paths may take a while (there seems to be no way too show progress)
- Yes, using MBR's to do gross clipping might make it faster
- No, Python is not my first language (C/C++ is)
Mark Wilson Feb 2016
Copy destructiveclip.py & destructiveclip.inx into Inkscape\share\extensions where-ever Inkscape is installed (eg Program Files). Start Inkscape. "Destructive Clip" should now be available under the Extensions menu, in the Modify Path submenu.
clipped.png shows the rectangular blue path clipping the tiled "dovetail" red path. The red path has been modified