GIMP: Create Vector Art
Gimp is actually a pixel-oriented program, but it can help you to create a vector graphic from a shape. We use an example in this practical tip to show you how this works.
Convert shape into gimp into a vector graphic
As an example, we use an icon whose outline we want to save as a vector graphic.
- Load the file with a transparent background in Gimp via the menu "File"> "Open ...".
- Select the open layer in the layer dialog and right-click on it. Select "Selection from alpha channel". This selects everything except transparency.
- If the layer dialog is not displayed, you can call it up again via the menu "Window", "Dockable dialogs".
- Now select "Selection"> "By path" in the menu. The selection has now been saved in a path.
- In the same dialog, which also contains the information about the levels, you will also find the "Paths" dialog via the tab selection above (see screenshot). Right click on the path that contains the outline of your graphic and select "Export path ...".
- Enter any file name with the extension ".svg" in the dialog above. Here the path is now saved as a vector file.
- You can continue to use these in a vector editing program such as Inkscape.
Looks smart: A 3D logo that you create in Gimp.