Digital-Evolutions

Converting a Raster image to a Vector Image.

WATCH: Pixels vs Vectors

WATCH: Image Tracing in Illustrator.

Find an Image to Trace

Converting Raster to Vector

Image Trace with a simple image

Image Trace with photograph solid background

Image Trace with colored background

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)