Vector and raster graphics are two different types of images, although this is not always visible to the naked eye. Vector images are digital and geometric images based on x and y axes, so they can be scaled down or enlarged for print, web content or graphic design. Raster graphics, or bitmap graphics, are created on a grid of pixels and are not considered as sharp when enlarged to a large scale. You can vectorize an image or photograph by tracing the image and creating a vectorized and scalable version.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use an online vector converter
Step 1. Choose this method if you don't have much experience in graphic design
There are websites that vectorize images in PNG, BMP, JPEG or.gif" />
Step 2. Save your PNG, BMP, JPEG or.gif" />
Step 3. Navigate to popular vectorization sites
Look for sites like Vectorization.org, Vectormagic.com or Autotracer.org or type “vectorization sites” into your search engine.
Step 4. Click the button that says “Download Image” or use the browser to find an image on your computer
Step 5. Select the new file format you want to use
The most versatile option is to use a PDF, however, you can also save the image for Adobe programs as an EPS or AI file.
Step 6. Wait for the program to draw the image
It will take a few moments or minutes, depending on the complexity of the file.
Step 7. Try the suggested settings to change the colors, level of detail, and other parts of the image
You may have noticed how your image now looks like it was computer generated. The effect is particularly obvious in the photographs.
Online vectorization programs have different options for changing the look of your vector image before you upload it. You may want to try the different programs if you don't like the results
Step 8. Click on the “Download” button to download the result
Save the image to your Downloads folder or your desktop. Use this image as you would a vector image.
Method 2 of 3: Use Adobe Photoshop to vectorize an image
Step 1. Find an image you want to vectorize
Use PNG, BMP, JPEG or.gif" />
Step 2. Open Adobe Illustrator
Open a new document and save it on your computer in AI format.
Step 3. Go to the File menu and select “Import
»Find the image on your computer and import it into your document.
Step 4. Click on the image
Click on the Object menu and select "Plot Options." These are settings that you may want to change before you draw your object.
- Choose your threshold. A higher threshold means that darker areas will turn black and lighter areas will turn white. When you draw an object, it will become a black and white image.
- Add blur to help you soften the outlines of the image.
- Choose your path setting. The lower the number, the closer the image will be drawn to the lines. It can, however, become jagged if the setting is too low. Too high and you will lose detail in the image.
- Set the minimum zone. This will allow you to remove parts of the image that will not be part of your final vector image.
- Adjust the angle of the corners. The lower the number, the more precise the corners will be.
Step 5. Click “Save Settings
This will allow you to return to these settings later to change them.
Step 6. Ungroup the elements of the image that have been grouped together and should be separated
Right click on the group and select “Ungroup. »Use the Knife tool to cut and separate the anchor points.
Step 7. Use the Smooth tool to reduce the number of anchor points in your vector image
Add elements, colors or textures as you would a vector image.
Step 8. Save your image again
You should be able to convert it to another type of file and use it as a vector image.
Method 3 of 3: Use Adobe Photoshop to vectorize a sketch
Step 1. Find an image you want to vectorize
Usually, this is an image that you want to enlarge, but is too pixelated or too low in resolution to use it as is. You can also scan the image or sketch into your computer using a scanner.
If you scan an image into your computer, increase the contrast to make it easier to draw
Step 2. Download the image to your computer's desktop or to an image folder
Step 3. Open a new Adobe Illustrator file
Select "File" and "Import" to bring the image into your program. Make sure the image covers the majority of your screen, so you can work in detail.
Step 4. Add a layer on the image using the layers palette
Lock the layer of the first image by clicking on the small square lock. The image will stay in place as you work on it.
Step 5. Go back to your top layer
Click the Pen tool. You are going to trace your image, in order to create an accurate and vector image.
Step 6. Choose a starting point to start drawing or sketching the image
Choose the weight of the line that will correspond to the line you are going to draw. The foreground strokes should be thicker, while those in the background should be thinner.
Always use black outlines and white backgrounds during this step. You can change the colors later
Step 7. Click on the starting point with your cursor
Click on the second point at the end of a straight section to create a straight line. Create a curved line by clicking on a second point and drag the line until it matches a smooth curve in the image.
Use the handles to adjust the Béziers curve. They can be adjusted indefinitely
Step 8. Press "Shift" to remove the Bezier handles when you are ready to continue sketching or drawing
Step 9. Continue clicking and adjusting, until your outline is complete
Remember, you'll want to create as few stitches as possible, while staying as close to the original shape as possible. This skill improves with practice.
Step 10. Make a separate section for the various elements
You can group these items later. Fill in with color when you are done. You can add the colors on the same layer or on multiple clicks.
Step 11. Go back to the first layer, unlock it and erase it when you are done making the changes
Save your file as a vector image, under AI or EPS. Use this new vector image for sizing.
