Currently accepting inquiries for Webflow Websites and SEO Projects for Q2.

How to Vectorize an Image In Illustrator Using the Image Trace Feature

June 17, 2022
Updated:
May 1, 2023

How to Vectorize an Image In Illustrator Using the Image Trace Feature

Alex Kettler

There are a lot of ways to learn how to vectorize an image in Adobe Illustrator. From using the “Image Trace” feature to testing out the Pen Tool, the possibilities are endless when it comes to learning how to use Adobe Illustrator! As the leader in creative services Greenville NC, we use different tools and are constantly learning new methods regarding how to use Adobe Illustrator. If you’re searching for resources on how to vectorize an image in Adobe Illustrator, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about how to use Adobe Illustrator from the leading creative services Greenville NC team.

Vectorizing an Image In Illustrator with the Image Trace Feature

The most common Image trace that our creative services Greenville NC team utilizes is the Trace Feature. We are given assets that might be PNG or JPG, and the Trace Feature simplifies the vectorizing process. Image trace can be faster than using the pen tool to trace the image our creative services Greenville NC team needs. When learning how to vectorize an image in Adobe Illustrator using the Image Trace feature, it is important to note that you may have to manually adjust anchor points to perfect the vector.

Step 1: Start a File

Place the image in Adobe Illustrator. {Hot key command+Shift+P}

Step 2: Select Image Trace

Go to Window and in the drop-down menu select the “Image Trace” option.

Step 3: Silhouette the Image

Select the image. In the Image Trace menu preset, select “Silhouettes.” Once that has been selected, the image will give you a preview of what the image will look like as a vector. Here’s a creative services Greenville NC pro tip: If the preview of the vector image looks incorrectly traced, click on the arrow next to “Advanced.” Here, you can change the price of the paths, corners, and noise to receive a better result in the trace. Once you are happy with the preview, click the “trace” button and “Expand” on your workspace menu.

Step 4: Polish the Vector

Clean up the vectorized image. To do this, use the “Smooth” tool. This tool will remove a lot of your anchor points. In some cases, the “Smooth” tool may not provide the desired results on its own. In this case, our creative services Greenville NC team recommends editing or deleting some anchor points.

The Image Trace tool is very powerful and can even vectorize an image that almost looks identical to the color image. To execute this, select “High Fidelity Photo” in the preset and repeat steps three and four. Keep in mind if you vectorize an image this way it might be hard to edit because there will be a lot of paths and shapes.

Red Shark Digital | Creative Services Greenville NC

Knowing how to vectorize an image in Illustrator can be a powerful tool to add to your design toolkit. As you grow your knowledge regarding how to use Adobe Illustrator, you must practice the skills that you learn and grow upon your foundation of skills. Our creative services Greenville NC team is dedicated to continuing our knowledge in design, and always strives for more. If you’re searching for a team of creatives to bring your design ideas to life, trust Red Shark Digital to exceed your expectations. To learn more about our creative services Greenville NC, visit our website or contact us today to start working with us.

Related Articles