Convert Picture to Vector

Vector graphics are the ideal format to be used in images, logos, and simple illustration. The reason behind this is their clear contours and lines. For your information, the building structure of the vector image consists of the equation instead of pixels as in case of raster images. In addition to this, as the vector images are created using equation so that they can be easily re-scaled according to the need without becoming pixelated.

Introduction

Vector images are mostly used in printing, website design, graphic design, digitizing for embroidery, and for the commercial marketing purpose. Remember one thing that you have to create the vector image from scratch. For this, you have to use the editing software to trace the picture and convert them to vector. Furthermore, to convert the picture to vector you have to use specialized software like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and more.

Looking to get the professional services to convert image to vector format, then Absolute Digitizing is the right place to visit. The experienced crew will do the job right using specialized software to give you the best results.

To make your understanding clear, following are the steps to convert the JPG to vector using different software as listed below:

Conversion Using Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a professional image creation program. It is one of the easiest ways to develop a vector image using the picture images. For your convenience, the steps to perform the conversion are listed below:

Tracing

1-You have to switch to the tracing workspace. You can do this by clicking on the menu located at the upper-right corner and after selecting the Tracing option, the “Image Trace” panel will appear.

2-Moving on, to add the picture file on your artboard, you have to go to File menu or just drag or drop the file.

3-You have to select the Picture on your artboard. After this, the tracing option in the Image Trace panel will become active.

4- Check the Preview Tool Box in Image Trace panel. This will enable you to have a look at what different setting will do when you apply them. But remember that this will increase the time when making the changes.

Preset Buttons

5-You should try one of the presets in the Image Trace Panel. You will see five preset buttons along with top of the panel and more presets available in the drop-down menu. The tops row of a button will have the following presets:

High Color: Attempts to recreate all the original colors.

Auto Color: Creating a stylized set of colors according to original colors.

Low Color: Creating a simplified version of original colors.

Grayscale: This allows you to replace the colors with shades of gray.

Black and White: This will reduce colors to black and white.

6- Properly utilize the color slider for adjusting the color complexity. When you convert picture to vector, all the natural colors are not shown properly. To get the best results, you should reduce the number of colors used to get a flatter look for your image.

Advanced Settings

7- You need to expand the “Advanced” section of the Image Trace Panel to have more detailed control for tracing.

8- Utilize the “Paths” slider for adjusting how close the path follows the pixels. Furthermore, by moving the slider to the left will make paths lose whereas moving it to right will make its path tight. In addition to this, a loose path will take you to the smoother edges.

9- You need to use the “Corners” slider for adjusting the roundness of the corners. When you will move the slider to left, this will make the corners rounded and will lead to smoother image.

10- You should use Noise slider for reducing bleeds. In addition to this, the noise plays a role to determine what grouping of pixels are considered noise and not included in the trace. However, this will assist you in straightening the lines and smooth out rough spots.

11- Once you are satisfied with the work the click Trace. The illustrator will perform the tracing action. After this, you have to wait for a few moments to convert picture to vector task.

12- Next, you have to click on the Expand Button. This will help you to convert your tracing object into actual vector paths. This will replace and convert picture to vector.

Saving the File

13- To convert picture to vector file after finishing the tracing you need to do the following:

Click file or illustrator menu and select Save As
Save a copy as .ai file. This will allow you to easily open the file in illustrator for making the edits.
You should select a vector format from “Save as Type” menu. This will include SVG (Webpage) and PDF print.
Do not save the file as PNG or JPG as they are not vector formats.

Conversion Using GMIP and Inkscape

These both are the free and open-source programs to convert picture to vector images. You can download GIMP and Inkscape from their respective websites. For conversion, follow the below steps:

Cropping the Image

1-Open the GMIP and use the Rectangle select tools to select the part of the picture you are going to convert to vector.

2- Click the Image menu and select Crop to Selection. This function will remove all the things except your selection.

3-Click the Image menu again and select Autocrop. This function will tighten your selection.

4-After you have finished the cropping, then you can export the file by clicking on the File menu and then on Export As. Leave the setting as default and give the cropped file a name according to your own choice.

Export File To Inkscape

5-After exporting the file, open it in Inkscape. After this, you have to select the image before you trace it in Inkscape.

6-Next Click on “Path” and select the “Trace Bitmap” to open the window of Trace Bitmap.

7- Select the different method and click on the “Update” button. Here you will see how a vector image looks like. You will also have a colors option that will provide you a close approximation to the original image.

8-You can adjust the setting for most of presets. Moreover, click on “Update” setting after each setting change to see the results.

9-Click OK when you are satisfied with the results. The original image will be traced and replaced with vector image.

10-Use “Edit Paths by nodes” for the fine adjustments. This tool will enable you to select the area of vector image and then drag nodes for adjusting the size and shade. By clicking on the part of an image, you will see that a bunch of small boxes will appear. You can drag these boxes to change the shapes of your selection.

11- To separate the nodes that should not be connected during the tracing process, use the “Break Path”.

Saving the File

12-Save your image as a vector file once you have completed the work. After your satisfaction, you can save it in vector format. For this, you have to click on the File menu and select Save As. You should select the vector format file from the Save as type menu. The common formats include SVG for website and PDF for print.

13-You should save the copy as Inkscape SVG to go back and make the edit easily.

Conclusion

These were the steps to convert picture to vector format using the Adobe Illustrator, GMIP and Inkscape. Hope now you are aware of the process. Planning to convert your logo or design into a vector format. You can get in touch with a professional Vector Art Services offered by Absolute Digitizing for satisfactory results. The price to convert a simple logo is only $10.