How do I turn an image into an outline in Illustrator?

Here's how to turn an image into an outline in Adobe Illustrator using the Image Trace feature:

1. Place your image: In Illustrator, go to File > Place and select the image you want to outline.

2. Select the image: Click on the placed image to select it.

3. Image Trace:

   • Go to Window > Image Trace to open the Image Trace panel.
   • Alternatively, you can find the Image Trace option in the Control panel at the top when the image is selected.
   • Choose a preset suitable for creating outlines. "Black and White Logo" or "Outline" are often good starting points. Experiment with different presets to see which produces the best results for your image.

4. Adjust Image Trace Settings (if necessary): Fine-tune the trace settings to achieve the desired outline. Key settings to consider are:

   • Mode: Typically set to "Black and White" for outlines.
   • Threshold: Adjust this slider to control the level of detail captured in the trace. Lower values will result in fewer traced areas, while higher values will capture more detail.
   • Paths: Controls the number of paths generated. More paths mean a more accurate representation, but can also lead to a more complex and potentially less clean outline.
   • Corners: Controls how sharp corners are handled.
   • Noise: Specifies an area size. Illustrator ignores changes in detail smaller than the Noise value. Use this to remove unwanted specks or noise.
   • Options (Advanced): Under the Advanced section you can adjust options like "Curves," "Corners," and "Noise" for further refinement. "Ignore White" can be helpful if you only want to trace the colored portions of your image.

5. Expand the Image Trace: To convert the trace into editable vector paths, go to Object > Expand. This step is crucial; without it, the trace remains a live effect.

6. Ungroup (if necessary): After expanding, the traced object is often grouped. Ungroup it by going to Object > Ungroup (you might need to do this multiple times depending on the complexity of the trace). This allows you to select and manipulate individual parts of the outline.

7. Clean up: Delete any unwanted fills or shapes inside the outline, leaving only the desired outline. You may need to use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to select and delete specific anchor points or paths for detailed cleanup.

8. Apply Stroke (Outline): Select the remaining shapes and apply a stroke (outline) to them. Go to the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance) to adjust the stroke weight, color, and other properties. Remove any fill colors.

By following these steps, you can successfully convert an image into a clean and editable outline in Adobe Illustrator. Experiment with the Image Trace settings to achieve the best results for your specific image.