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Image Trace

 

Learn how to use Image Trace to convert bitmap images into vector artwork that you can modify and use in Adobe Animate.

Image Trace lets you convert raster images (JPEG, PNG, PSD etc.) to vector artwork. Using this feature, you can easily create a new drawing on an existing piece of artwork by tracing it. 

For example, you can convert the image of a pencil sketch you've drawn on paper into vector artwork using Image Trace. You can choose from a set of tracing presets to get the desired result quickly.

Trace an image

  1. Open or place a raster image in your Animate document.

  2. With the placed image selected, do one of the following:

    • Choose Object > Trace Bitmap from the context menu.
    • Click the Bitmap button in the Properties panel and select Edit..
    • Choose Modify > Bitmap > Trace Bitmap.
      • Choose one of the default presets by clicking the icons on top of the panel. For details, see Specify tracing options | Preset.
      • Choose a preset from the Preset drop-down menu.
      • Specify the tracing options. For details, see Specify tracing options.
    Note:
    • In the Trace Bitmap panel, click Preview to see the results of your modifications. 
    • The resolution of your placed image determines the speed of the tracing.

Specify tracing options

When the image is selected, you can see that the options in the Trace Bitmap panel become available. Basic panel includes options such as Preset, Mode, Palette and Colors. Advanced panel includes options such as Paths, Corners, Noise, Method and so on.

Basic options

Specify the basic options in the Trace Bitmap panel to get the desired tracing result.

Preset

Specifies a tracing preset. The icons located across the top of the panel are shortcuts named according to popular workflows. Choosing one of these presets sets all the variables needed to produce that related tracing result.

Name of the preset

Definition

Default

Takes default settings

High Fidelity Photo

Creates photorealistic artwork of high fidelity

Low Fidelity Photo

Creates simplified photorealistic artwork

Shades of Gray

Traces the artwork to shades of gray

Black and White Logo

Simplifies the image to black-and-white artwork

Mode

Specifies a color mode for the tracing result. The available options define basic color versus grayscale modes for your traced artwork.

The following color settings appear based on the settings in the Mode option:

Advanced options

Fine-tune your tracing result using advanced options in the Trace Bitmap panel.

Paths

Controls the distance between the traced shape and the original pixel shape. Lower values create a tighter path fitting; higher values create a looser path fitting.

Corners

Specifies the emphasis on corners and the likeliness that a sharp bend will turn into a corner point. A higher value results in more corners.

Noise

Specifies an area in pixels that is ignored while tracing. A higher value results in less noise.

Tip: For a high-resolution image, move the Noise slider to a higher value (for example in the 20–50 range) to have some effect. For a low-resolution image, set it lower (1–10).

Method

Specifies a method for tracing. You can choose one of the following options:

Name of the preset

Definition

Abutting

Creates cutout paths. The edge of one path is exactly the same as the edge of its neighboring path.

Overlapping

Creates stacked paths. Each path slightly overlaps its neighbor.

Fills

Creates filled regions in the tracing result. This option is enabled only if the Mode is set to Black and White.    

Strokes

Specifies the maximum width of features in the original image that can be stroked. Features larger than the maximum width become outlined areas in the tracing result. This option is enabled only if Mode is set to Black and White.

Options

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