Creating SVG images using Illustrator is a popular way to get high-quality vector graphics. Vector graphics are the ideal choice for logos and artwork, as they are infinitely scalable without losing quality. While most people are familiar with creating a vector graphic from scratch, many don’t know how to create a vector graphic from an existing raster image. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use the Image Trace tool in Illustrator to convert a raster image into a vector graphic.
What is Image Trace?
Image Trace is a tool in Adobe Illustrator that enables you to quickly and easily convert a raster image into a vector graphic. It’s a great way to create a vector image from a logo, illustration, or other artwork. Image Trace can be used with both black and white images, as well as images with color. It’s also useful for creating high-quality vector artwork from photographs.
How to Use Image Trace
Using Image Trace is relatively straightforward. First, open the raster image you want to convert into a vector in Illustrator. Then, navigate to the Image Trace panel, located in the Window menu. From there, you can choose from a variety of preset options, or customize your own. Once you’ve selected the settings you want to use, click the “Trace” button to convert the image.
Image Trace Settings
The Image Trace tool offers a variety of settings that can be used to customize the vectorization process. The following are some of the most important settings to consider when creating an image trace in Illustrator.
- Mode: This setting determines whether the image will be traced in color, black and white, or a combination of both.
- Threshold: This setting determines how closely the image will be traced. A lower threshold will result in a more detailed trace, while a higher threshold will result in a less detailed trace.
- Paths: This setting determines the number of paths that will be used to create the vector image. A higher number of paths will result in a higher-quality trace, but will also take longer to generate.
- Noise: This setting determines how much noise will be removed from the image during the trace process. A higher value will result in a smoother trace, while a lower value will result in a more detailed trace.
- Corner Threshold: This setting determines how corners will be treated during the trace process. A higher corner threshold will result in more rounded corners, while a lower corner threshold will result in more angled corners.
Image Trace Results
Once you’ve created an image trace, you can view the results in the Layers panel. The vector image will be grouped together and can be edited as a single object. You can also use the Direct Selection Tool to select individual components of the vector image and edit them individually. You can also zoom into the vector image to view it in greater detail.
Editing a Vector Image
Once you’ve created a vector image from a raster image, you can edit it just like any other vector image. You can use the Pen Tool to create additional paths and shapes, or use the Shape Builder Tool to modify existing shapes. You can also use the Color Panel to adjust the colors of the vector image, or the Transform Panel to resize and rotate the vector image.
Conclusion
Creating a vector image from a raster image is a great way to get high-quality vector graphics. The Image Trace tool in Illustrator makes it easy to convert a raster image into a vector image with just a few clicks. With the right settings, you can create a vector image that is indistinguishable from a vector image created from scratch. Now that you know how to use the Image Trace tool, you can start creating stunning vector graphics from existing raster images.