Breaking apart an SVG in inkscape

[TheLadyWolf]

Help. I hope this has a very simple solution.
I created a new SVG with lots of lines and circles. Now I would like to flatten down it so I can "break apart" for scal.
I tried "Combine" but then my lines are all distorted. The only way I know how to "break apart" is to save it as .png file, then reopen and "trace bitmap." Even so, some shapes aren't as crisp anymore.
Any ideas what I can do? I feel like I'm missing a step or two.

[firstcut]

You will need to convert all your lines and circles to path but then if you group (object>group) things in Inkscape, they will each be a separate layer in SCAL. So select all the things that will be one cut and select group, then repeat until all the colors/cuts are done. Import into SCAL, open the layers palette and click the triangle next to the folder with the name of your svg. Now you can click the eye icon to toggle the layers on and off. This is such a cool feature and makes everything so much easier. You really want to avoid break apart in scal if you can because it breaks everything apart even stuff you want to stay together.

[TheLadyWolf]

I don't want to separate in SCAL. I want to separate them in Inkscape. I hope this isn't too confusing.

[HeatherM]

By "flatten" do you mean you want it welded? If so, try Path/Union. It isn't necessary to convert the shapes to Path first unless you are using Ink47 and have used the Path Effect editor (in that case use Path/Object to path first). HTH