How to Vectorize an Image Online

There are advantages to changing a raster image, which is typically one with pixels such as PNG or JPG files, to a vector image which is AI, EPS, PDF and SVG. This is because the more you blow up or zoom in on a raster-based image, the more you see the artifacts and pixilation. The result is that raster-based images are quite limited in their application when it comes to changing size.

Vector-based images use shapes and lines which removes the pixelization when it is enlarged. While at the same size, both raster and vector images may look the same. But when you blow them up or zoom in on them, the vector images hold together quite well.

For those who have raster-based images, it is possible to convert them through the process of vectorization. Vectorizing an image will convert the pixels into another format that allows for size changes to take place without losing the quality of the image itself. This includes small details such as symbols, text, and the like.

Why Use Vector Images?

There are good reasons why you should consider vectorizing raster images to use in your projects. This is particularly true thanks to having access to online vectorizing services that can do the job quickly and easily. Vector images are used quite often in the following fields and industries.

Architecture, Engraving, Graphic Design, Screenprinting

• Architecture: Converts printed blueprints to digital vector images
• Engraving: Including glass, leather, plastic, stone, and wood surfaces
• Graphic Design: From raster to vector images with no loss of quality
• Screenprinting: Vector files are required for this industry

Are All Raster Images Suitable for Vectorization?

Unfortunately, no. While the vectorizing process works for the most part, there are certain types of detailed raster images that are too complex for it to work. For example, photographs of people or animals that have lots of small details are difficult to vectorize. However, there are plenty of raster images that can be converted with ease, such as the following.

Cartoons, Logos, Schematics

• Cartoons
• Logos
• Schematics

Basically, any raster image that is predominantly lines can be easily vectorized. This is why the process is so popular with logos and schematics in particular.

How Can Images Be Vectorized Online?

If you have a raster-based image that is suitable for conversion, then there are vectorizing services which can be used to improve their quality and allow them to be enlarged easily.

Manual vectorization service

Manual:

This is a hand-drawn process of vectorizing that is well suited to improve the appearance of images that otherwise are too blurred or of low quality to be used. A manual process is preferred for applications such as the following.

• Engraving
• Screen Printing
• Signage & More

Basically, any digital print, even those of low quality can be improved using this process. Vectorizing is generally superior to auto-tracing which can take considerable time while still leaving behind artifacts or imperfections that render a raster-based image unsuitable for the vectorizing process.

At vectorizeimages, we offer a wide range of vectorizing services that allow for a number of improvements. From removing the background of images to scaling to larger formats, the online services provided can convert lower-quality images that include photographs, scans, blueprints, and even some hand-drawn sketches to cleaner, more usable vectorized images.

Automated:

Typical images that are well-suited for automated vectorization include bitmaps which contain a considerable number of pixels. But the vectorizing process is not limited to just bitmaps, it can also convert the following formats automatically.

Raster file formats

• JPEG
• GIF
• PNG
• TIFF

From these formats, the automated vectorizing process will convert them to either vector or CAD formats that can be used for your projects. Such formats include the following.

Vector file formats

• AI
• CDR
• DXF
• DWG
• EPS
• PDF
• SVG

The automated process offers considerable advantages in that you can convert images to usable formats quickly and easily. There is nothing new to learn and you save a considerable amount of time and effort to create images that can be used with greater variety. Just upload the image and let the automated program do all the work. You can choose between the free or premium services depending on your needs.

Image tracing in Adobe Illustrator

How Software Vectorization Works

This assumes you have access to Adobe Illustrator. If you access the Image Trace function in Illustrator, or the “live trace” if you have an older version, you can vectorize many images using this process.

• Open: Select the image through the file menu
• Activate Image Trace: Click on “Object”, then “Image Trace”, and then “Make”
• Tracing Options: Use “Image Trace”, and then choose “Control” or “Properties”

In addition, there may be a preset option under “Tracing Presets” that may work. At this point, you should go over the options and experiment with the now traced image until you get the results that you want.

Manual Adjustment:

If you want to use the manual mode to make changes in the elements of the image you can do the following.

• Click “Object”, “Image Trace”, and “Expand”

Now, you can edit the paths that have been created by Illustrator. By using the standard tools provided in the software program, you can make the changes that you want manually.

Once you have completed your work, save it under “File”. Now you have completed the vectorizing process using Illustrator. If you do not have Adobe Illustrator, you can use other vectorizing software to do the job.

Tracing bitmap option in Inkscape

Inkscape:

This is a free option that uses open-sourced software. It can be used on most platforms and it is fairly easy to convert images. You just open the menu and do the following.

• Click “Path”, then “Trace Bitmap”
• Make the necessary adjustments to the image
• Save as an SVG file

Trace Bitmap in CorelDraw

CorelDRAW:

Another common software tool used to vectorize images, it features PowerTRACE for the conversion of bitmap to vector graphics. You can employ this tool by doing the following once you have opened the image in the program.

• Click “Trace Bitmap”
• Follow the Menu
• Save as SVG file

And that is how you can vectorize images online and by using the available software programs.

Used images:
Infographic vector created by freepik
Photo by Nathaniel Sison on Unsplash
Pexels