Vectorization is a process that changes raster (bitmap) images into smooth lines and shapes that can be scaled to any size without losing quality. It’s crucial for designers to know how to do this since vector files are the most versatile file formats for print style, and they can be utilized with any printing approach– from screen printing to cutting vinyl decals to digital printing.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the procedure of vectorizing an image or raster image using Adobe Illustrator. We’ll likewise talk about a few of the mistakes you may come across along the way, and offer you suggestions for avoiding them.
vectorize pictures
The main factor that vectorization is needed is due to the fact that raster files lose quality when they are bigger. This is because pixels are tiny squares that are compacted to develop an image, and as they are enlarged, those squares become pixelated. Vector graphics, on the other hand, are made of smooth curves and lines– which are always crisp at any size. This is why vector art looks so great on things like business cards and leaflets.
You can find vectorized art work in a wide array of places, from film posters to tattoos and even clothes. It’s a typical method for artists to use, and it can make their work stand apart from the crowd.
The vectorization process is relatively simple, however there are a few things that you ought to remember before beginning. Initially, make sure to choose a top quality image. A low-resolution picture will have a great deal of artifacts that will interfere with the final vector graphic, and it will take a lot longer to process.
raster to vector

Next, make certain the image is effectively cropped. This will make sure that just the part of the image that you wish to vectorize is consisted of. Finally, pick a preset that is proper for the type of image you’re working with. For instance, a complicated image will gain from the High Fidelity Photo setting, while a basic image may work best with a Custom Palette alternative that restricts the variety of colors used in the resulting vector graphic.
To begin, choose the image that you want to vectorize in Adobe Illustrator and open the Image Trace panel (Window > Image Trace). You’ll see a lot of settings that allow you to fine-tune the tracing procedure, but we advise starting with among the presets.
A good place to start is the High Fidelity Photo option, which immediately adjusts the tracing settings to match the image’s pixel density. When you’re delighted with the outcomes, you can utilize the other settings to more fine-tune the image and produce a perfect vector graphic. For instance, the Path slider lets you control how carefully the image’s courses follow its pixels. A lower value will produce much shorter paths that are more abstract, while a greater value will lead to sharper and more in-depth edges. You can also have fun with the color complexity settings to adjust how the courses are rendered.