Here is an annoying “feature” I discovered today while using Inkscape to make vector graphics to use in LaTex documents. I was having issues with transparency not working, but this work-around seems to fix the problem. You MUST change the Background Color for your SVG document from the Inkscape default – change the Alpha value to 255. Then export your SVG to PNG. Then use pdflatex (instead of latex), and you can use ‘includegraphics’ with PNG images, and the transparency will exist (for the white background of your paper, at least)!!