Converting a raster image (like a JPG or PNG) into a vector graphic in Adobe Illustrator is commonly done using the Image Trace feature. While Illustrator handles the vectorization, preparing your image beforehand can significantly improve the results, especially for complex or low-contrast images.
Preparing Your Image in Photoshop (Based on Reference)
According to some methods, starting with image preparation in Photoshop can help make the details sharper and contrast clearer, which aids the vectorization process in Illustrator.
Here's how you might prepare an image in Photoshop, based on the provided reference:
- Open the Image: Begin by opening the image you want to vectorize in Adobe Photoshop.
- Add a Levels Adjustment Layer: Go to the Layers panel, click the "Create new fill or adjustment layer" icon (half white/half black circle), and select "Levels...". This adds a non-destructive adjustment layer.
- Increase the Highlights: In the Properties panel for the Levels adjustment, drag the white output slider (on the right side) to the left. This brightens the lightest parts of your image, making highlights more prominent.
- Increase the Shadows: Next, drag the black output slider (on the left side) to the right. This darkens the darkest parts of your image, making shadows deeper.
Adjusting the highlights and shadows using Levels helps to increase the overall contrast and define the edges in the image, which ultimately creates a better foundation for tracing in Illustrator. After these adjustments, save the image (you might save it as a new file to preserve the original).
Vectorizing in Adobe Illustrator
Once your image is prepared (or if you are tracing directly), you can use Illustrator's powerful Image Trace feature:
- Place or Open the Image: Open your prepared image directly in Illustrator (
File > Open) or place it into an existing Illustrator document (File > Place...). - Select the Image: Use the Selection Tool (V) to select the raster image on your artboard.
- Apply Image Trace:
- With the image selected, go to
Window > Image Traceto open the Image Trace panel. - Alternatively, if your control panel is visible (
Window > Control), you'll see an "Image Trace" button when the image is selected. Clicking this button or choosing a default preset from the dropdown next to it will apply a basic trace.
- With the image selected, go to
- Adjust Settings (Image Trace Panel): The Image Trace panel offers various options to fine-tune the tracing process:
- Preset: Choose from built-in options like "High Fidelity Photo," "Low Fidelity Photo," "3 Colors," "Black and White Logo," "Sketched Art," etc. These presets apply different combinations of settings suitable for various image types.
- Mode: Select the output mode: "Black and White," "Grayscale," or "Color."
- Palette: For Color mode, choose how colors are picked ("Automatic," "Limited," "Document Library"). Specify the maximum number of colors.
- Threshold/Colors: Adjust the threshold for Black and White mode or the number of colors for Grayscale/Color modes.
- Advanced Options: Expand this section to control details like Paths, Corners, Noise, Method (Abutting or Overlapping), and whether to ignore white. Experiment with these sliders (e.g., reducing Noise can simplify the output).
- Check the "Preview" box to see the results of your settings in real-time.
- Expand the Trace: Once you are satisfied with the trace preview, click the Expand button in the Control panel or the Image Trace panel. This converts the traced result from a dynamic tracing object into actual editable vector paths and shapes.
Now your image is converted into a vector graphic. You can ungroup the resulting shapes (Object > Ungroup) and edit individual paths and colors as needed.
Tips for Optimal Results
- Start with High Resolution: The quality of the original raster image significantly impacts the trace result. Higher resolution images with clear details trace better.
- Simplify Complex Images: Preparing images (like the Photoshop Levels adjustment from the reference) or editing them before tracing can lead to cleaner vectors. Removing backgrounds or isolating key elements helps.
- Experiment with Presets and Settings: Don't rely on just one preset. Test different options in the Image Trace panel and adjust the sliders to achieve the desired level of detail and simplification.
- Consider the Purpose: Simple graphics or logos might work best with Black and White or a limited color palette, while complex illustrations might require High Fidelity Photo.
By combining careful image preparation (like the Photoshop steps described) with the powerful Image Trace features in Illustrator, you can effectively convert your raster images into scalable, editable vector artwork.
