Convert raster images to vector art

Follow the steps below to place and vectorize an image within Illustrator:

1. Place an image within your Illustrator document.
2. Select the image using the Selection tool  .
3. Tap the Object panel   and select Vectorize   to convert the raster image to a vector image.
4. Select the image and tap the Properties panel   on the taskbar to use Vectorize options.
   

Vectorize a raster image

A) Visibility   : Hides or shows the vectorized image on the canvas.

B) Source: Auto-detects the source file when vectorizing the image. You can modify the source to Sketch, Line Art, Logo, Painting, or Photograph. 

C) Color mode:

• Color: Creates a posterized image of a photo or artwork.
• Grayscale: Converts the artwork to shades of gray.
• Black and white: Simplifies the image to black-and-white artwork.

The Color mode option is disabled when the Source image is Sketch.

D) Colors: Specifies the number of colors to use in a color vectorized image. The Color slider is available only when the Color mode is set to Colors.

D) Grayscale: Specifies the number of grays to use in a grayscale vectorized image. The Greyscale slider is available only when the Color mode is set to Greyscale.

D) Threshold: Specifies a value for generating a black and white vectorized image. The Threshold slider is available when the Color mode is set to Black and white or when the Source file is a Sketch.
image. 

E) Path: Controls the distance between the vectorized shape and the original pixel shape. Lower values create a looser path fitting.

F) Corners: Specifies the emphasis on corners and the likeliness of sharp bend turning into a corner point. A higher value results in more corners.

G) Noise: Specifies an area in pixels that is ignored when vectorizing. A higher value results in less noise.

H) Output: Select the drop-down and choose one of the below options:

• Fills: Creates filled regions in the vectorized image.
• Strokes: Creates stroked paths in the vectorized image.

I) Abutting  : Creates cutout paths. The edge of one path is the same as the edge of its neighboring path.

J) Overlapping  : Creates stacked paths. Each path slightly overlaps its neighbor.

K) Ignore white: Replaces white fills area with no fills.

L) Expand vectorization  : Converts the vectorized image to paths, see expand vectorization.

 Once you tap Expand Vectorization, you can no longer adjust the properties of the vectorized image. However, you can tap   to undo Expand vectorization.