How to vectorize an image in Illustrator

Vectorizing an image isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about ensuring every curve, detail, and line is exactly where it needs to be —ready for whatever your project demands.

Adobe Illustrator’s Image Trace feature has been a reliable option for years, but let’s face it: precision takes time, and sometimes you just need something more intuitive.

That’s where Linearity Curve shines. With our AI-powered Auto Trace feature, you can vectorize your image and easily edit and refine it to suit the bigger picture. Curve’s workflow is built to handle large design projects and to perfect the smallest details as well. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for both Illustrator and Curve, so you can choose the right tool for your next work design project.

Steps to vectorizing an image in Adobe Illustrator

Import your original image into Illustrator

Open Adobe Illustrator, and place your raster image using File > Place. Select the image and use the bounding box handles to resize it if necessary.

Vectorize your image with Image Trace

With the image selected, open the Image Trace panel via Window > Image Trace. You can also find Image Trace options in the Control Bar or Properties Panel.

Adjust the Image Trace settings

Next, decide which preset option to use to create your vector image.

• High fidelity photo: Best for detailed images.
• 3-color or 6-color: Ideal for simplified designs.
• Grayscale: Converts to shades of gray.
• Silhouette: Creates a black-and-white vector.

Fine-tune your Image Trace

The next step is to fine-tune your vectorized image. There are several options to do this.

With the Image Trace panel window still open, you can access various tracing options to tweak your design. If you toggle open the Advanced options, you can alter the number of paths, corners, and various Stroke and Fill options.

Expand your Image Trace

Once you're happy with how the Preview looks, click Expand. This will finalize the image trace and transform your raster image into editable vector shapes.

Edit your vector image file

To adjust individual shapes, ungroup them using Object > Ungroup or ⌘ + Shift + G. Use the Selection Tool (V) or Pen Tool (P) to modify paths, anchor points, or fill colors.

Save and export your vector file

It's time to save your new vector project once you've adjusted your vectorized image to your satisfaction using presets, tracing options, and tools.

Go to the File drop-down menu and choose Save. You can press ⌘ + S on your keyboard anytime to save your progress.

Then, you can use the File > Export feature to save your vector image using the desired vector file type.

Many printers and other design software can process Adobe Illustrator's native .ai files. Otherwise, save your design in another versatile vector format, such as a .svg file. Linearity Curve is one of the few design tools that can open and manipulate .svg and .ai files.

Let's look at how to do the same vector tracing process faster with Linearity Curve, our progressive design software for digital creatives.

Vectorize your image faster with Linearity Curve

Adobe Illustrator has plenty of features for vectorizing images, but the process can turn complex and time-consuming. Linearity Curve offers a simpler and faster solution without compromising on quality. 

With the Auto Trace tool, you can convert raster images to vector shapes in just a few clicks, giving you more time to focus on the creative process.

Create a new document in Linearity Curve

Open your raster image as a new document in Linearity Curve or Import it onto an existing Artboard.

Make sure the image layer is Unlocked in the Layers Tab.

Use Auto Trace

Once you select your image, the Auto Trace panel menu will instantly appear in the Style Tab.

You can adjust the Complexity and Contrast sliders to change the detail of your new vector image. Then, click the Auto Trace button to transform your image into vector shapes.

©️ Disney "s Micky Mouse–Vectorized with Linearity Curve"s Auto Trace feature

On the left is an example of a bitmap image of Mickey Mouse vectorized in Linearity Curve.

Export your vector

Linearity Curve auto-saves your progress, so you can work at your own pace. When you're happy with your design, export it in a vector-friendly format like SVG or PDF. 

And that’s it — with three simple steps, your vectorized image is ready for any project!

Auto Trace Modes for accurate automatic vectorization

Linearity Curve's Auto Trace feature is enhanced with AI to automatically convert various types of images to vectors based on the best settings.

The 4 Auto Trace Modes are:

• Sketch Mode: Perfect for converting hand-drawn sketches into clean vector shapes. This mode is great for artists who work on paper and want to digitize their creations effortlessly.
• Photography Mode: Ideal for turning photos into artistic, vectorized images with a painting-like effect.
• Illustration Mode: Designed for vibrant, flat illustrations, this mode works well for transforming your artwork into professional vector designs.
• Basic Shapes Mode: Best for low-detail designs, this mode reduces image complexity by generating fewer, simpler shapes, making editing faster and easier.

Why it’s simpler with Curve

Unlike Adobe Illustrator’s multi-step process, Curve’s modes allow you to vectorize your image in just a few clicks. Each mode comes with intuitive sliders like Detail Level, Color Precision, and Gradient Smoothness, making adjustments straightforward. For example:

• Use Detail Level to decide how much of your original image’s intricacies are preserved.
• Toggle Ignore White to remove backgrounds effortlessly, leaving just your design.

Auto Trace does more than vectorize; it also improves your workflow. Whether you're experimenting with creative ideas, updating a logo, or getting designs ready for printing, these modes make it quick and easy to get high-quality results.

Design Smarter with Linearity Curve

Vectorizing doesn’t have to be a chore. While Adobe Illustrator offers a reliable toolkit, Linearity Curve redefines the process, making it quicker and more intuitive so you can focus on improving your designs.

Here’s what makes Curve stand out:

• Free on the App Store: Just download and start creating.
• Template Hub: Ready-to-use templates to jumpstart your project.
• Linearity Academy: Free tutorials and courses to help you master design techniques.

Why complicate things when you can simplify them? With Curve, you can easily turn your sketches into high-quality vectors and have your artwork ready for print.

Frequently asked questions