The Live Trace tool on Adobe Illustrator was designed to convert bitmap image files into vector drawings. The best feature of a vector image is that it can be resized without losing quality. Follow the tutorial below to learn how to use the Live Trace tool.
Steps
Step 1. Select the image
You can open the image by going to File> Place> Select. Finish by clicking OK.
Step 2. Select your photo and move to the toolbar
Click Object, go to Trace and select Trace Options.
Step 3. From the Trace Options box, you will be able to choose a specific color mode
Note: the other two options are "grayscale" and "black and white". Select "Max Colors: 6" and click on Trace.
Step 4. If you need more detailed graphics, you can easily change the maximum number of colors
For example, the following screenshot has "Max Colors: 60".
Step 5. If you are unsure how to proceed, feel free to compare the different Max Colori settings
If you are not an expert in using Live Trace, this is a good way to determine the quality of your work.
Step 6. Convert the image to a vector file
Click on the photo and follow this path: Object> Expand> and tick Object and Fill. When done, click OK. Your photo will be converted to a vector file.
Step 7. To complete the process, click on the vectorized image and go to Object in the toolbar
Select "Ungroup". Alternatively, you can simply right click on the image and select "Ungroup".
