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.
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- 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.
Opomba:
- 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.
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.
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 |
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:
Automatically switches between the limited palette and full tone for the tracing, depending on the input image. When you select Automatic for your palette, you can adjust the Colors slider to alter vector simplicity and accuracy in the tracing. The value 0 means simplified at the expense of accuracy and the value 100 means accurate or photorealistic at the expense of simplicity.
Uses the entire set of colors for the tracing palette. This option is the best for tracing photos and creates photorealistic artwork. With this option selected, the Color slider determines the variability of the pixels that make up each of the fill regions. When the Color slider is to the right, the variability is smaller, resulting in more paths defined by smaller areas of color. On the other hand, when the slider is to the left, the fill areas are fewer and larger.
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.
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.
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).
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. |
Creates filled regions in the tracing result. This option is enabled only if the Mode is set to Black and White.
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.