Transforming the image into a scalable image without any fear of losing the quality broadens the design prospects. Whether you want to craft an illustration or want to create a logo, transforming your raster image into a vector image facilitates suitability. 

Explore Illustrator and get yourself familiarized with the Image Trace tool that eases the process of vectorization. In this guide about how to vectorize an image, we will cover each and every step needed to convert your pixel-based image into a vector. Follow the steps and vectorize your image like a pro!

1. Getting Started

If you want to vectorize your image and convert it from a raster to a scalable image, Adobe Illustrator can assist you in the simplest yet best way. 

Even if you’re a newbie and don’t know how to vectorize an image in Illustrator, we’ve covered all the steps necessary for the transformation.

1. Open Adobe Illustrator

Open up Adobe Illustrator on your system, whether a PC or laptop.

Once Illustrator is launched, create a new document by selecting File and then New.

It will set up a new document for you where you can edit and convert your image.

2. Import the Image

When the new document is all set, you must import the image you want to vectorize.

To import a particular image, go to the File and click Place.

You can select your image from here, which will be placed on your art board. You may need to adjust its position or size before starting vectorizing it. 

3. Selection and Preparation of the Image

The image preparation is essential for the best results.

Click on the imported image, and it will select it.

Ensure that your image is repositioned and resized perfectly so that even the edges are clear. Otherwise, it may affect the quality of the vector. 

2. Image Trace Panel

The image trace panel is the tool that will vectorize your image in Illustrator. It contains a variety of options that you may need while vectorizing the image. 

1. Accessing the Image Trace Panel

Select the Window and click on Image trace.

As per your requirements, a series of settings and parameters in this panel can help you explore how to turn an image into a vector in Illustrator.

Select the image, as it will open the panel settings.

2. Choosing Presets: Auto Color, High Fidelity Photo, Low Fidelity Photo, etc.

The image trace panel has quick preset settings such as auto color, high-fidelity photo, and low-fidelity photo.

These presets permit prompt transformation into a vector with minimum effort of just a single click. 

3. Customizing Settings

There is freedom of customization to alter the parameters according to your requirements.

The customization settings include parameters such as threshold, paths, corners, noise, etc. 

1. Threshold

The contrast of black and white holds a pivotal role in setting the clarity and high definition of the image. The threshold determines the level of white and black.

The higher the threshold, the more black the contras will be better. On the other hand, the lower threshold supports white contrast dominantly. 

2. Paths

The path defines the complexity and smoothness of the image. Lesser path values depict the smoothness, while more paths may cause increased complexity. 

3. Corners

As the name indicates, the corner settings count for the degree of sharpness or smoothness of the corners.

Increased corner values result in sharp corners, while lower values offer rounded and smooth corners. You need to adjust it according to your personal needs. 

4. Noise

The noise setting helps to reduce or enhance the imperfections, minor detailings, and pinpoints. Increased noise value lowers the imperfections and excludes unnecessary details while reducing noise, which includes all the details in the image.

4. Previewing the Tracing Result

To check the results of your customization, you can preview your image by clicking on the Preview box.

It allows you to make modifications by previewing the changes in a real-time scenario. Moreover, it will help you meet your expectations before completing the trace and moving to the next steps. 

3. Trace the Image

So, next in line is how to vectorize in Illustrator by tracing the image.

Once you have made all the relevant changes and are satisfied with the preview image, it’s time to trace it.

Click on the Trace box, and you will get the vectorized image.  

1. Starting the Vectorization Process

When you get what you want by adjusting all the parameters per your needs and preferences, go towards the vectorization process.

Click on the Trace button at the bottom to vectorize in Illustrator. It will start the process.

2. Monitoring Progress

Once the vectorization process is initiated, you can monitor it using the status indicator. It displays the time required for the vectorization.

The time majorly depends upon the image’s complexity and the settings you modify. 

3. Finalizing the Trace

When the status indicator indicates that your image has been vectorized, you must check if any modification is still required. If not, go ahead. 

4. Expanding and Refining

When the image is vectorized, some amendment may be requireds.

You can expand and modify the image by adjusting specific parameters to cater to those changes. 

1. Expanding the Image Trace

With the initial modifications, you have your vectorized image now. But to get into the details, click the Expand button in the panel. It will convert your trace into an editable vector that you can further modify. 

2. Converting to Editable Vector Paths

The expand button breaks your image into different paths and shapes so you can easily edit them. You only need to use the Direct Selection Tool and adjust them however you want. 

3. Editing and Refining the Vector Artwork:

Now that you have editable vector paths and shapes, you must know how to vector an image in Illustrator using various tools.

1. Adjusting Anchor Points

Precision and accuracy can be achieved in your artwork with the Direct Selection tool and customized adjustment by clicking on the anchor points. 

2. Modifying Paths

For highly accurate vector art, use the Pen tool. You can edit, adjust, or delete the paths to make the shapes more authentic. 

3. Tweaking Colors and Fill

When you get enough precision in your vector, you can change the colors or gradients by using the selection tool and then choosing the color from the color panel. 

5. Saving the Vectorized Image

Once you have your finalized artwork, just save it for further use. 

1. Choosing the Right File Format:

There are various formats in which you can save your artwork. Choose the format suitable for the purposes for which you want the vector file. 

1. AI (Adobe Illustrator)

If you want to edit your Adobe Illustrator vectorize image or bring modifications to it in the future, AI format is the most suitable format for you.

2. EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

If your intentions are commercial-based, for instance, you want to use the design in various design software or print it, EPS format is the one you should go for. It will keep all the data within with high precision. 

3. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

If the intentions are scalability and web usage, the SVG format is the one that suits you the most. These are light, scalable images supported by most browsers by keeping the quality high. 

4. PDF (Portable Document Format)

The PDF format is the most versatile format that is suggestible for almost every type of intent. It can be further used across several platforms.

2.  Saving and Exporting the File

After selecting the appropriate format, export the vector by clicking the Save or Export button. Choose the destined folder and name it accordingly. Then, you will be done vectorizing your image.

FAQs about vectorizing an image in Illustrator

Some of the most asked queries are answered below to further assist the users in vectorizing their images perfectly in Illustrator without any trouble.

What does it mean to vectorize an image in Illustrator?

Vectorizing image transforms the raster image, made from pixels, into a vector image of mathematical paths. Vector images are widely used because of their flexible scalability without losing quality.

Why would I want to vectorize an image?

You want to vectorize your image if you want to resize it without losing the quality. Also, if you are a professional designer, vectorizing photos is essential, as logos and designs need clarity and precision across various platforms. 

What is the Image Trace feature in Illustrator?

The image trace feature automatically transforms a raster image into a vector image. It uses shapes and colors from your original image and generates the vector image accordingly.

Can I customize the tracing settings in Illustrator?

Yes, why not? The trace panel is all you need to customize your tracing settings. You can control distinct features from here, including noise, thresholds, paths, and colors.

How do I know which tracing settings to use for my image?

It solely depends on your intentions and the complexity of the image. Previewing the picture and making changes in a real-time frame is advisable. It will give you a better idea about which settings are needed. 

How much does it cost to vectorize an image?

The cost for vectorizing the image varies from image to image and needs to needs. Somephotoss are complex, while others are simple. On the other hand, some customizations are more complex, while others are simpler. Generically, the cost varies between 10-50 dollars.

Can I vectorize complex images with fine details in Illustrator?

Definitely yes! The Image trace panel can adjust all the required controls, and even the highly complicated images can be perfect. 

What file formats can I save the vectorized image in?

There are four formats in which you can save your vector artwork: AI, SVG, EPS, and PDF.

Conclusion

Vectorizing an image in Adobe Illustrator is an influential way to create high-quality graphics with easily scalable options.

It allows the users to resize their images without any threat to the quality of the image. This descriptive blog enables users to learn insights about how to vectorize an image. 

From opening up Adobe Illustrator to exporting the image in the appropriate format, it contains all the stages from raster to vector image.

Simply follow the steps and convert image to vector Illustrator now, or ask a digitizing service expert to complete the job.