Converting a Raster image to a Vector Image.
GOAL: To convert raster Images to outlines you can cut out on the laser. Find a good image of a Siloette
WHY: Some times we will need unique shapes in our designs or silhouettes from recognizable objects. We could manually trace them or we could use automatic tools like Illustrator's Image Trace.
GOAL: To convert raster Images to outlines you can cut out on the laser.
WHY: Some times we will need unique shapes in our designs or silhouettes from recognizable objects. We could manually trace them or we could use automatic tools like Illustrator's Image Trace.
WATCH: Pixels vs Vectors
Raster images are made of pixels. ... Vector images are mathematical calculations from one point to another that form lines and shapes. If you zoom into a vector graphic it will always look the same. A raster image has a specific number of pixels.
WATCH: Image Tracing in Illustrator.
Adobe Illustrator is a vector based application where Photoshop is a a raster based application. We will use Illustrator to trace images.
Find an Image to Trace
Using Google find an image with a strong silhouette.
Sometimes it is hard to find one you like with a clean background, but there are ways around it. Ideally, you want an image with a clean defined silhouette with clean defined perimeter and a solid background.
sil·hou·ette /ˌsilo͞oˈet/
noun: silhouette; plural noun: silhouettes
the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in dim light.
Also, make sure the photos are high resolution; you can specify to search only large images.
A sold color with a solid background is the easiest.
You can use a photograph. *Much easier with a solid background.
We can remove backgrounds too.
If you have a photograph with a complex background, you can remove it too, but it is more challenging.
Converting Raster to Vector
Image Trace with a simple image
An Image with a strong silhouette and a solid background can be traced using preset settings. Very Easy. From the Image Trace menu under the preset drop down menu choose Silhouette.
Preset > Silhouette.
Image Trace with photograph solid background
This one is straight foreword, but the shadow could give a bit of trouble. Sometimes I will edit the photo a bit first before tracing. Even just increasing the photos contrast.
Preset: Silhouette (Default)
Threshold: 189 (From 128)
Corners: 75 (From 50)
Image Trace with colored background
Preset: Black and White (Default)
Threshold: 30 (From 128)
With image still selected, choose Expand.
Double-Click on black background
Press {Delete}
Press the Back Arrow to go outside of the group
Select the image and Ungroup. Object > Ungroup
The lizard was broken into two parts. Hard to see, you can select each part separately.
Select all the parts and Unite them. Pathfinder > Unite
Change the base color to black. Now you have a solid vector silhouette.