Trace images with the Content-Aware Tracing tool

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Quickly create vector paths or selections by detecting and tracing object edges of an image in Adobe Photoshop.

The Content-Aware Tracing tool is available as a Technology Preview feature in Adobe Photoshop. To enable it, select Preferences > Technology Previews and restart Photoshop.

Select Content-Aware Tracing tool from the Pen tool group in the toolbar.

Position the pointer close to the object edge to automatically detect and highlight it.

Move the Detail slider in the Options bar to the right to detect edges and to the left to simplify edge detection.

Select a tracing option from the options bar:

  • Create paths from detected edges: Generates a new path.
  • Extend currently selected path with detected edges: Adds to an existing path.
  • Trim traced paths: Removes unnecessary anchor points from the generated path.

Select once to generate a vector path that follows the detected edge.