Figma is a popular design and prototyping tool that allows users to create designs, prototypes, and diagrams online in a collaborative environment. One of Figma’s most useful features is its ability to quickly and easily trace over images to convert them into vector graphics.
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What is Quick Tracing in Figma?
Quick tracing allows you to easily trace over any image in Figma using the vector pen tool to create an outline. This converts the image into a vector graphic that can be edited and scaled without any loss of quality.
Here are some key things to know about Figma’s quick tracing tool:
- It lets you quickly convert JPG, PNG, SVG and other images into vector graphics
- The traced vector retains the shapes and details of the original image
- The resulting vector graphic is fully editable and scalable without pixelation
- It saves significant time compared to manually tracing an image
Why Use Quick Tracing in Figma?
There are a few key reasons why quick tracing can be useful in Figma:
Scalability – Vector graphics can be resized to any dimensions without losing quality. This makes them perfect for responsive web and app design. Tracing an image makes it infinitely scalable.
Editability – Unlike regular image files like JPGs or PNGs, traced vector graphics can be edited and manipulated like any other vector object in Figma. You can tweak shapes, adjust colors, add effects, and more.
File Size – Vector graphics files are usually much smaller in file size than raster image formats. This makes them faster to load on websites and in apps.
Reusability – Any vector graphic you create with quick tracing can be reused over and over across multiple projects and designs.
Step-By-Step Guide to Using Quick Tracing
Using the quick trace functionality in Figma is very simple. Follow these steps:
1. Add an Image to the Canvas
- First, open a Figma file and add an image to the canvas you want to trace. This can be a JPG, PNG, SVG, etc.
2. Select the Image Layer
- With the image layer selected, go to the toolbar at the top and click the “Vectorize Selection” button (it looks like a pen icon).
Vectorize selection button
3. Adjust the Trace Settings
- This will open the vector trace settings box. Here you can tweak parameters like the number of points used in the trace, color reduction, corner rounding, and more.
- For most images, the default settings work well, but you may need to adjust them for optimal tracing on some images.
Trace settings dialog box
4. Convert Image to Vector
- Once you have the settings adjusted as needed, click the “Trace” button to convert the image into a vector graphic.
- Figma will process the image and trace out the vector outlines over the image.
5. Ungroup and Edit the Vector
- When the tracing is complete, click the vector graphic and choose “Ungroup” from the right-click menu.
- This will break apart all the vector objects so you can select and edit them independently.
- Now you can tweak the vector design, adjust colors, add effects, combine shapes, and use it like any other vector object in Figma.
And that’s it! The quick tracing tool makes it super fast and easy to start with a raster graphic and end up with a scalable, editable vector file.
Tips for Effective Tracing in Figma
Here are some tips to get the best results when using the quick tracing tool:
Use High Resolution Images – The higher the resolution, the more detail will be captured in the traced vector graphic. Using compressed JPGs may result in losing some subtle curves and details.
Adjust the Settings – Take the time to tweak the trace settings to optimize the results. Using more points can sometimes help for intricate graphics.
Trace Elements Separately – For complex images with both color and linework, it can help to break them into layers and trace the elements individually.
Simplify When Needed – Don’t be afraid to simplify some details in the vector graphic if the tracing is resulting in an overly complex shape.
Check Dimensions – Make sure to check width, height and alignment so that your traced vector matches the proportions of the original image.
Quick Tracing Plugins for Figma
In addition to the built-in tool, there are also some handy quick tracing plugins for Figma that can speed up and improve the conversion process:
- Image Tracer – Powerful plugin with advanced auto-trace algorithms for high-quality tracing
- PixLove – Traces images instantly with color and detail preservation
- Super Vectorize – Another smart auto-trace plugin with customizable settings
- Autotrace.ai – Uses AI for intelligent automated image tracing
These plugins provide both efficiency and quality improvements over Figma’s standard tool. They are worth checking out for frequent tracers.
Final Thoughts on Quick Tracing
Being able to quickly convert images into editable vectors is an incredibly useful ability in any design workflow. Figma’s quick trace tool brings this capability right into the app for seamless integration.
Combined with the right plugins, you can auto-trace images rapidly while still maintaining quality and flexibility. This allows you to incorporate all kinds of graphics into your Figma designs faster.
So put Figma’s vector trace powers to work on your next project! Just remember the tips above and you’ll be tracing like a pro in no time.
