To open the Image Trace feature in Adobe Illustrator, you first need to select the image you want to trace. Once your image is selected, you have several ways to access the Image Trace options:
Methods to Access Image Trace
Based on the provided information, here are the primary ways to open or access the Image Trace functionality in Illustrator:
1. Using the Window Menu
This method opens the dedicated Image Trace panel, giving you full control over all settings.
- Step 1: Select the raster image (like a JPEG or PNG) you want to trace on your artboard.
- Step 2: Go to the main menu at the top of the Illustrator window.
- Step 3: Click on Window.
- Step 4: From the dropdown menu, select Image Trace.
This action will open the floating Image Trace panel, allowing you to apply and adjust tracing settings.
2. Using the Control Panel (Presets)
The Control panel, usually located just below the main menu, offers quick access to presets once an image is selected.
- Step 1: Select the raster image on your artboard.
- Step 2: Look at the Control panel.
- Step 3: To the right of the Trace button (which appears when an image is selected), click on the small menu icon (often a downward arrow or a set of lines).
- Step 4: Select a desired preset from the dropdown list (e.g., High Fidelity Photo, 3 Colors, Grayscale).
Choosing a preset here automatically applies the trace and expands the result based on that preset's settings. While it doesn't explicitly "open" the full panel, it initiates the tracing process using specific settings.
3. Using the Properties Panel (Presets)
Similar to the Control panel, the Properties panel also provides access to Image Trace presets and settings when an image is selected.
- Step 1: Select the raster image on your artboard.
- Step 2: Open the Properties panel (if not already visible, go to
Window > Properties). - Step 3: Locate the Quick Actions or Image Trace section within the Properties panel.
- Step 4: Click the Image Trace button.
- Step 5: From the menu that appears, select a desired preset.
Choosing a preset from the Properties panel works identically to using the Control panel – it applies the trace with predefined settings.
In summary, the most direct way to open the Image Trace panel is via the Window menu. However, you can also quickly apply Image Trace presets using the Control or Properties panels after selecting your image.
Here's a quick overview:
| Method | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Window Menu | Window > Image Trace |
Opens the Image Trace Panel |
| Control Panel | Click menu next to "Trace" button | Applies a preset |
| Properties Panel | Click "Image Trace" button, select menu | Applies a preset and can open the panel |
Reference Information Included: As stated in the reference, you can select the source image and open the Image Trace panel via Window > Image Trace. Alternatively, you can select a preset from the Control panel (by selecting from the small menu to the right of the Trace button) or the Properties panel (by clicking the Image trace button and then selecting from the menu).
