3 Ways to Vectorize an Image

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

Vector and raster images are two different types, although they are not easily distinguished with the naked eye. Vector images are computer generated geometric graphics based on the X and Y axes, so they can be zoomed in or out for use in print, web, or graphic design. Raster, or bitmap, images are made up of a grid of pixels, and are not very sharp when enlarged. You can vectorize an image or a photo by processing the image and creating a vector and scalable version.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Using an Online Service

Step 1. Choose this method if you don't have much graphics experience

There are some websites that vectorize PNG, BMP, JPEG or-g.webp

Step 2. Save your PNG, BMP, JPEG or-g.webp" />

Step 3. Navigate to a vectorization site

Search for sites like Vectorization.org], Vectormagic.com or Autotracer.org, or type "vectorization website" in a search engine.

Step 4. Click the button that says "Upload Image" or use the browser button to find the image on your computer

Step 5. Select the new file format you prefer

The most versatile option is PDF; however you can also save it for Adobe programs as an EPS or AI file.

Step 6. Wait for the program to process the image

It may take a few seconds or minutes, depending on the complexity of the image.

Step 7. Try the recommended settings to change colors, level of detail and other image characteristics

You can see that the image now looks like it was created on the computer. The effect is especially noticeable with photos.

Different online vectorization programs have different options for changing the look of your vector image before downloading it. You may want to try a few different programs if you are not happy with the result

Step 8. Click the “Download” button to download the final image

Save the image in the Download folder or on your desktop. Use this image as you would for a vector image.

Method 2 of 3: Using Adobe Illustrator to Vectorize an Image

Step 1. Find an image you want to vectorize

Use formats like PNG, BMP, JPEG or GIF.

Step 2. Open Adobe Illustrator

Open a new document and save it to your computer as an AI format.

Step 3. Go to the File menu and select “Place”

Find the image on your computer and place it on the document.

Step 4. Click on the image

Click on the "Object" menu and select "Tracing Options". You may want to change the following settings before tracing the image:

• Choose the threshold. A higher threshold means that more dark areas will turn black and light areas will turn white. When you trace an object, it will become black and white.
• Add a gradient if you need to soften the edges of the image.
• Choose the paths. The lower the number, the more the image will follow the original more precisely. If it is too low you may have jagged edges. If it is too high you will lose detail.
• Set the minimum area. This allows you to remove parts of the original image that will not be part of the vector one.
• Set the angles. The lower the number, the sharper the angles drawn will be.

Step 5. Click “Save Preset”

This will allow you to go back to these settings later to fix them.

Step 6. Separate the elements of the image that have been grouped but shouldn't be together

Right click on the group and select “Ungroup”. Use the "Section" tool to cut away grouped anchor points.

Step 7. Use the "Round" tool to reduce the number of anchor points in the vector image

Add elements, colors or textures as you normally would with a vector image.

Step 8. Save the image again

You should be able to convert it to another file type and use it as a vector image.

Method 3 of 3: Using Adobe Illustrator to Vectorize a Design

Step 1. Find an image you want to vectorize

Usually it is an image that you want to enlarge, but which has too large pixels or too low a resolution to be used as it is. You can also scan an image or drawing on your computer using a scanner.

If you are scanning an image, increase the contrast, so that it is easier to trace

Step 2. Download the image to your desktop or to a folder

Step 3. Open a new Adobe Illustrator file

Select "File" and "Place" to insert the photo or image into the program. Make sure the image covers most of the screen, so you can work on it in detail.

Step 4. Add a new layer above the image using the "Levels" tool

Lock the first level of the image by clicking on the small square lock. The image will stay where it is while you work on it.

Step 5. Go back to the upper level

Click on the "Pen" tool. You will trace the image in order to create a clear vector image.

Step 6. Choose a starting point to start drawing or tracing your image

Choose the size of the line to fit the line you are about to draw. The lines in the foreground should be thicker, while those in the background should be thinner.

Always use black lines and a white background during this process. You can always change the colors later

Step 7. Click with the cursor on the starting point

Click on the point at the end of the straight part to create a straight line. Create curved lines by clicking on a second point and dragging the line until it matches the curve of the image.

Use the handles to adjust the Bezier curve. They can be adjusted as many times as you want

Step 8. Press “Shift” to remove the Bezier handles when you are ready to continue tracing or drawing

Step 9. Continue clicking in the same way and adjusting until the outline is complete

Remember that you want to create as few stitches as possible, while remaining as true to shape as possible. This skill improves with practice.

Step 10. Turn the separated sections into different elements

You can group these items later. Enter the colors when you are done. You can add colors on the same layer or on different layers.

Step 11. Go back to the first level, unlock it and delete it when you are done making changes

Save the file as a vector image, with an AI or EPS extension. Use this new vector image when you need to scale it.