Vector Image Processing Workflow

This project serves to document the process by which PNG or JPG images are processed and converted into Vector SVG images, for use in various projects.

Firstly, Images are imported into Inkscape Graphic Editing software, where the outlines of the images are converted to vector paths and saved in the form of an SVG vector file.

Images in a Png or Jpeg can be defined by a collation of grid squares or pixels, of which each can be filled with one colour, cumulatively representing an image. Due to such, on scaling an image, the overall quality and definition of such image is degraded as the sizes of these pixels are also scaled proportionally, making these formats of images unsuitable for tool path or design generation as they are at their best quality at their native size, whilst scaling will be required in the adaptation of the image for use.

As such the outlines of these images are converted into a vector format via Inkscape's path function =, in which instead of via pixels, the image is characterized by a cumulation of points, where the distance and direction (vector displacement) of each point from the subsequent point in the path is stored in the SVG file. Upon being scaled linearly, the displacement of each point within the image path is also scaled linearly, preserving the quality of the image upon adaptation within a design.

Once in this SVG format, the image is in a suitable form for use in a 3D Model or for any application of which a vector image is requisite.

Hence such a method of file conversion to SVG is utilized within this workflow and within other workflows where graphics must be imported into a modelling software such as Fusion 360 for use in a design. Examples of this can be seen on the Custom Designs Page. and within the Project RAP CNC.