When a user chooses an avatar as a virtual identity for different social networks or video games, we often wonder how they created an image so similar to their face without significant distortions and yet still be clear.
This person vectorized a bitmap image into a file that can be enlarged considerably without losing sharpness. To accomplish this, they used various tools.
In this article, we'll explain what vectorization means and the options available for performing this task quickly and easily. We'll also include step-by-step instructions for using Adobe Illustrator on a computer or mobile device.
What does vectorizing an image involve, and what is it used for?
Pixels are the smallest units that an image has; they are indivisible and display a specific color in a compact way.
When we replace these pixels with interdependent geometric shapes, we generate a vector image. This allows us to increase the image size and achieve better resolution, since vectors don't suffer from the distortions inherent in bitmap images.
The most commonly used geometric shapes are lines, circles, ellipses, Bézier curves, and bezigons . For example, if we have a circle and want to vectorize it, we will need to consider its diameter, center, and radius in order to enlarge it.
What kind of programs are needed to create a vector from a photo?
To vectorize a photo, we can use the following tools:
Bitmap software
As we mentioned earlier, in order to display images on our screens, they must be translated into pixels or bitmaps through a pattern of two-dimensional color dots, which we will call a matrix.
Bitmap software converts bitmaps into vectors, essentially functioning like an art studio where different images are created and edited on a "workspace" according to the provided controls and functions. Many of these tools use mathematical systems.
Online tools
These websites are an excellent alternative for beginner users. With these tools, you simply upload the image in JPG , PNG , BMP , or GIF format.
In a short time it will return a vectorized image with SVG , EPS and PDF extensions , which we can download without any restrictions.
Steps to vectorize an image from any device, easily and quickly
When we need to convert a bitmap file into a vector image, we can choose different programs regardless of the type of device we are using.
Below we will show you the steps necessary to vectorize an image in an easy and quick way:
With Adobe Illustrator
To use this program on your computer and convert a bitmap image, for example, in PNG format, into vectors, follow this guide:
- Once we have the program open, we select the image
- We look for the option "Window"
- We click on “Image tracing”
- We selected a photo from "High Fidelity"
- Next, we click on "Ok"
- We look for the option “Original image” and we click on it
- We press Expand
At this point, we have a vectorized image with thousands of points. What we need to do now is edit it.
Once we have this software installed on our mobile device, we will need to follow these steps shown below:
- We open it from our mobile phone Illustrator Capture application, so we can take a picture, if we don't already have it saved elsewhere
- We chose the option "Shapes"
- select "+"
- We aim to correctly frame the image from which we will photograph the drawing we want to vectorize and wait a few minutes
- select "Perfect"
- We verify that the image is in good condition and close the application
At this point, we'll need to open another software module to continue. If we already have the image and don't need to take a new photograph, we'll need to start from this stage.
We follow the steps:
- We open the app Illustrator Draw
- We choose the format The image will have these options: Large portal, letter (vertical), Android tablet (vertical), Android tablet (landscape), a square
- We chose the tab “My projects”
- select “Library Forms”
- We chose the image and then edited it
- We click on send to Illustrator CC
Next, we will go to our computer and the image will open, allowing us to finish editing it.
With Vectormagic.com
When we need to vectorize images in a simple way, we can use the online tool Vectormagic.
Next, we will show the necessary steps:
- We accessed the website
- We have two options: one is to drag the image directly to an area indicated by the website, and the other is to select the image by its location. For the latter option, we look for “Choose the image.”
- We select its location by searching for the folder where it is located.
- We click on "To accept".
- Next, it will show us a process for loading and editing the image.
- It will tell us the level of detail it has, and we can indicate whether it is a digital image or a drawing, giving us the option to process it as an illustration.
- Later We choose the level of detail and colors.
- For more advanced editing, we can edit the result by dividing the segment.
- Once we are satisfied with the work, we select “Download the result”.
List of the best programs and websites to automatically vectorize images
As we mentioned earlier, we have two alternatives to convert a bitmap image into a vector document.
To do this, we need to decide which path to take . Do we opt for software that we have to install on our computer or mobile device, or for a website that we can't access for free without downloading anything to our computer?
Next, we will show the best tools available for each of these two alternatives:
GIMP
This program allows us to optimize our images in an advanced way, as it has various controls that enable us to perform specific measurements according to our individual needs. It is available for the Windows operating system and can be downloaded via BitTorrent or directly.
INKSCAPE Draw Freely
This professional image editor allows us to vectorize each of our files perfectly. Thanks to this application, we can achieve results in just a few steps and without spending much time learning how to use it.
It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It is characterized as open-source software.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
This creative graphic design tool will allow us to create true works of art in a very precise way, as it has controls that will allow us to perform our task in the best professional way.
It is available for Windows and Mac OS operating systems, or a 15-day free trial.
Autotrace
We can create our vector graphics from raster images in just a few steps. We simply upload the file or enter the URL , with a maximum size of 5000 x 5000.
It allows you to choose the number of colors, from monochrome up to 256. It's a completely free and easy-to-use tool.
Vectorization
It allows us to convert our pixel images into true vector graphics in just a few steps.
Similar to the previous page, these simple steps will yield excellent results . Simply upload the file or copy the URL. You can choose the output format: SVG, EPS, PS, PDF, or DXF. The maximum upload size is 3000 x 3000 pixels.
Online Convert
It offers the option to add this tool as a Google Chrome browser extension . We can convert images to vectors by selecting our file , whether it's located in our browser or in the cloud. We can also do it by entering a URL.
It gives us the possibility to make optional adjustments such as modifying the size, color and DPI.
