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How to Vector an Existing Image

What is Image Vectorization?

Image vectorization, also known as raster-to-vector conversion, is the process of converting a raster image made up of pixels into a vector image made up of mathematical paths and shapes.

Key benefits of vector images:

  • Scalable without loss of quality
  • Small file sizes
  • Flexibility for editing and updating

Vector images are commonly used for logos, icons, illustrations, and other graphics that need to be resized or edited frequently.

When to Vectorize an Image

Some good candidates for vectorization include:

  • Logos, icons, and simple graphics
  • Black and white line art or sketches
  • Images with solid color shapes

Continuous tone photos usually don’t vectorize well due to their color and detail complexity.

Consider vectorizing images if you need:

  • A scalable graphic for both large and small resizing
  • To edit or update part of an existing graphic
  • A high resolution graphic with small file size

Manual vs. Automatic Vectorization

There are two main approaches to converting an existing raster image to a vector graphic:

Manual Vectorization

This involves an artist manually tracing over the key structural elements of the raster image using vector drawing tools. This allows precision and control but is more time consuming.

Automatic Vectorization

Software algorithms analyze the raster image and generate a vector image automatically based on the detected lines, shapes, and colors. This is much faster but can result in tracing errors.

Manual vectorization produces higher quality results but takes more effort. Automatic vectorization is faster but may require some manual clean up afterwards.

How to Manually Vectorize an Image

Here is the basic process for manually vectorizing an image in a program like Adobe Illustrator:

  1. Import the raster image
  2. Lock the layer with the raster image to prevent accidental edits
  3. Create a new layer for the vector elements
  4. Zoom in close to start tracing with the pen tool
  5. Carefully trace key outlines and structural elements
  6. Use various curve adjustment tools to refine paths
  7. Add colors and solid shapes as necessary after tracing outlines
  8. Organize elements into groups and sub-layers

Tracing can be time consuming and challenging but offers the most control over the vector result.

How to Automatically Vectorize an Image

Many vector graphics editors like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and CorelDRAW have auto-trace functions to convert raster images to vector automatically:

  1. Import your raster image
  2. Open the auto-trace tool (e.g. Image Trace in Illustrator)
  3. Set the parameters to control the vectorization
  4. Generate the vector image
  5. Review and manually refine as needed to fix any conversion issues

The auto-trace tool applies algorithms but some manual clean up is usually needed for best results.

Tips for Vectorizing Images

Follow these tips when vectorizing existing images:

  • Simplify first – Remove background and extraneous details from the raster image before vectorizing
  • Use high contrast source – The algorithms work better with high contrast line art rather than photographs
  • Trace key elements first – Focus on tracing the essential lines and shapes, don’t trace every single detail
  • Use layers – Organize your vectors into layers and groups
  • Clean up paths – Refine corners, adjust curves, remove excess points
  • Manually fix problem areas – Auto-traces often have issues with intersections and corners that need to be fixed manually

Common Image Vectorization Tools

Some popular vector graphics editors with auto-trace capabilities:

  • Adobe Illustrator – The industry standard tool, with advanced vector tools and Image Trace auto function
  • Inkscape – Free and open source vector editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows, with bitmap tracing
  • CorelDRAW – Affordable vector graphics suite for Windows, with PowerTRACE auto-vectorization
  • Affinity Designer – Vector design app for Mac and Windows with image trace and drawing tools

And standalone vector conversion tools:

  • Vector Magic – Auto-trace tool to batch convert JPG, PNG, GIF to vector formats
  • Vectorizer.io – Free online image vectorizer converting JPG, PNG to SVG, EPS, DXF
  • Stencil – Image vectorization API and SDK for developers

Conclusion

Converting existing images to vector graphics takes some work but enables excellent image scalability and flexibility. Both manual tracing and automatic vectorization have their place in a designer’s toolkit. With the right tools and techniques, vectorizing images is an essential skill for digital graphics work.

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