Adobe Illustrator: Vectorize image - how it works

With Adobe Illustrator, you can easily vectorize images that are available as pixel graphics. We show how this works with the so-called image tracer.

Convert image to vector graphic with Adobe Illustrator

1. First open the corresponding image in Adobe Illustrator.
2. Click on the graphic with the selection tool to select it.
3. Then open the Image Tracer tool in Illustrator via Window> Image Tracer.
4. In this small editing window you will find all options for converting your graphic. First select a suitable specification - such as grayscale or sketch graphics.
5. With "Advanced" you can show other controls and adjust the image according to your wishes. For example, you can use the "Paths" slider to specify the level of detail of the tracing.
6. If you are satisfied with the result, you can close the tracer. However, the image is still available as pixel graphics in Illustrator.
7. In the last step, click on the "Convert" button in the menu bar at the top. Illustrator now creates a vector graphic from the redrawn image and shows the paths.

These instructions refer to Adobe Illustrator CC (2015). In another practical tip, we will show how you can convert Photoshop files directly into vector graphics.