How to vectorize an image
You’ll find vector images used for a wide range of graphic designs, ranging from logos to illustrations to basic images because they have clean lines which can be rescaled to any size without losing its sharpness. While most vector images are created from scratch, you can vectorize an image from another source, such as JPG for example, by following these steps when using Adobe Illustrator.
First, you’ll need to open the Illustrator, which is the best method for vectorizing the image. There are other programs that can also vectorize images, but Adobe Illustrator is one of the simplest and is widely used.
Step 1: Select Image
You’ll need to choose an image which is already smooth and clear enough for vectorization purposes. This is because an image which is already compromised by pixelization means it will carry such flaws over when being vectorized. So, you’ll need to choose a simple, clean image as it works the best.
Step 2: Go to Tracing
You’ll need to add the image to the artboard. This can be done by dragging and dropping the file or by selecting it from the file menu. It will need to be a compatible image for the Illustrator to make the tracing. Once completed, you’ll see a panel for “Image Trace” after clicking on your design and you are ready for the next step.
Step 3: Use Presets
You’ll find this option on the Image Trace panel. Once you have made the selection, you can see the different settings which you can choose from to use in tracing your image. Remember, the different settings you choose, the more time it will take to make the changes. So, keep that in mind when you perform your tracing.
There are a lot of presents that you can select from the drop-down menu. Each present offers a different function.
- High fidelity photo: Will recreate all color
- Low fidelity photo: Will create a simplified version of the colors used
- 3/6/16 Colors: Augments original colors and makes the stylized
- Black & White: Removes all colors, leaving black & white
- Grayscale: Replaces colors with different shades of gray
You do not need to use the presets, but it may help during the vectorization process to clarify the image even further.
Step 4: Image trace panel
Threshold/Color
One issue when you vectorize an image is that the natural colors may not come out well. By using the color slider, you can adjust the complexity of the colors and reduce their number. The image will appear flatter as a result, but it will also be clearer and easier to vectorize.
Advanced Selections
Once you have made the basic changes, you can now select the Advance section found on the Image Trace panel. Once selected, you will find more controls and options to further enhance the image for tracing purposes.
Path Slider
The slider will let you adjust the path the tracing will make. While a tighter slide may be closer to the shape of the image, a looser slide will create edges that are smoother. You’ll need to find the right balance when using this feature.
Noise Slider
If you want to reduce the “bleeds” which may interfere with the clarity of your image, the noise slider is the tool to use. You can eliminate areas that are noise and thus, not needed in your image by using this slider. It can also smooth over rough areas and straighten out the lines.
Corner Slider
The Corner slider will let you round the corners. By moving the slider to the left, you can make the corners rounder in nature which leads to a smoother image.
Step 5: Click Trace
Once you are happy with the way it looks, you can select “Trace” and the illustrator will perform the tracing actions.
Step 6: Hit the Expand button
Once completed, you hit “Expand” which will turn the object you have traced into a vector image and replace the JPG or other image you originally used.
Step 7: Export vector files
Now you can export your new vector file, just hit “Save As” and then save the copy, then you can re-open it late if you want to make more changes. Just be sure that you save the file in a PDF or SVG format and not a PNG or JPG since they are not vector formats.
Free vector editor: Inkscape
What if you do not have Adobe Illustrator, then you can use Inkscape to convert your bitmap files. You’ll need to download this software to your computer and then follow the instructions.
Step 1: Load File
Load the new image into the program so it can be traced for vectorization.
Step 2: Open Trace Bitmap Window
Choose “Path” and this will provide you with the “Trace Bitmap” selection. From there, you can choose from the various methods that will alter the appearance of your image to something more suitable to your liking. For example, the “Colors” selection will mimic the original colors of your image. Once completed, you can select “Update” which will preview the image with the changes.
Step 3: Vectorization process
Click “OK”: Once you are satisfied, click “OK” and the vectorization process will start. You can make fine adjustments using the “Edit paths by nodes” tool, which lets you select the new image and adjust accordingly. If you find nodes that should not be connected, use the “Break Path” tool and they will be removed.
Step 4: Save Image
You can save your vectorized image in the proper format, such as SVG for use on websites or PDF if you want a print image.
