Vectorize Your Images in Full Color

What is Image Tracing?

Image tracing (or vectorization) is the process of converting raster graphics (made of pixels) into vector graphics (made of mathematical paths, lines, and curves). While raster images lose quality when enlarged, vector images are resolution-independent. Our ImageTracer tool automates this complex process, identifying shapes and colors in your image and "drawing" them as scalable SVG code.

Full-Color Vectorization Features

Capture the full spectrum of your designs with powerful color tracing capabilities.

Multi-Color Tracing

Detects and converts multiple colors from your source image into distinct vector layers, not just outlines.

Adjustable Color Palette

Control exactly how many colors appear in the final vector. Simplify complex images into 4, 8, or 16 colors.

Path Simplification

Refine noisy edges with built-in smoothing algorithms to get crisp, professional-looking curves.

Error Suppression

Smartly ignores small specks and noise (despeckle) to keep your SVG clean and efficient.

Live Preview

See the vector result side-by-side with your original image to compare accuracy instantly.

Universal Export

Download standard SVG files compatible with Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, and web browsers.

How To Convert Image to Vector

Turn bitmaps into scalable art in seconds.

Upload Image

Select a PNG, JPG, or GIF file from your computer. High-resolution images work best.

Auto-Process

The tool immediately analyzes the image and generates an initial vector trace with default settings.

Tune Colors

If the result is too detailed or too simple, adjust the "Number of colors" slider to find the right balance.

Refine Paths

Tweak "Blur" or "Precision" settings to smooth out jagged edges or capture finer details.

Compare

Toggle between the "Original" and "Vector" tabs to ensure the conversion meets your standards.

Download

Click "Download SVG" to save your new vector graphic.

Tips for Best Results

Garbage in, garbage out. Here is how to prep your images for tracing.

High Resolution Input

Start with the largest usage available. More pixels mean more data for the tracer to detect smooth curves.

Clean Edges

Avoid images with heavy anti-aliasing (blur) or JPG artifacts, as these result in "wobbly" vector lines.

Posterize First

If using a photo, pre-editing it to increase contrast and reduce color count in Photoshop can yield better auto-trace results.

Limit Colors

Don't try to trace 100 colors unless necessary. Sticking to 8-16 colors usually produces the most usable vector art.

Manual Cleanup

Auto-tracing gets you 90% of the way there. Expect to do minor cleanup (removing stray nodes) in a vector editor for professional finish.

Check Transparency

Ensure your source PNG has a transparent background if you want the output SVG to be transparent too.

Ideal Use Cases

When should you use ImageTracer over other tools?

Logo Recovery

Recover a crisp, scalable version of a logo when you only have a small, blurry JPG file.

T-Shirt Printing

Prepare flat-color designs for screen printing, where clear color separation (spot colors) is required.

Technical Drawings

Convert scanned schematics or floor plans into CAD-friendly vector formats.

Sticker Design

Create die-cut lines and clean shapes for sticker printing from hand-drawn art.

Embroidery

Generate simplified vector regions that can be easily converted into embroidery machine patterns.

Web Graphics

Reduce file size and enable infinite scaling for website icons and illustrations.

Why Vectorize?

Moving from Raster (pixels) to Vector (math) unlocks new possibilities.

Infinite Scalability

Scale your image from a business card to a billboard with zero loss in quality. No more pixelation.

Editable Paths

Once vectorized, you can easily change the shape, color, or position of any element in design software.

Smaller File Sizes

For simple geometric images, SVG files are often much smaller than high-res PNGs, speeding up your website.

Print Ready

Printers love vectors. They ensure sharp lines and accurate colors for physical merchandise.

Animation Ready

SVG paths can be animated individually with CSS or JS, bringing your static images to life.

Transparent Backgrounds

Easily remove white backgrounds during the tracing process for transparent overlays.

Technical Specifications

Details about the tracing engine.

Engine

Based on ImageTracer.js, a powerful client-side raster-to-vector conversion library.

Input Formats

PNG, JPEG, GIF. Supports both opaque and transparent backgrounds.

Output Standard

SVG 1.1 Specification. Generates optimized `<path>` elements grouped by color layer.

Processing

Synchronous client-side JavaScript execution. Performance depends on image size and detail settings.

Color Quantization

Uses color quantization algorithms to reduce the image palette before tracing shapes.

Browser Support

Compatible with all modern browsers supporting HTML5 Canvas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We have answers.