Adobe Illustrator tracing allows us to easily convert a picture into a vector image. This means we could trace an image in Illustrator to make it a vector image.

While it is not perfect but sometimes you may need to make an illustrator trace an image to vector as a short and easy option.

In this article, we will review how to trace an image in Illustrator? We will use the Image Trace Tool in Illustrator to alter a picture into a vector format.

We will start by tracing a logo and then we will move towards tracing a photo. Adobe Illustrator trace can do both.

let’s trace an image in Illustrator Auto trace option can help us with that too.

Tracing an image in Illustrator is the same process as a clipping mask, but you will have to keep in mind the limits of vectors. If an image is modified exactly as it is into a vector layout.

The result of an image is very large in file size and hard to work with. For this purpose, raster image formats such as “JPG” and “PNG” are much better ways to using photos.

Step-1: Open the image

Open your photo by getting on to “File” and then “Open” to navigate your desktop and open your “JPG file”.

Step-2: Go to image trace

After opening the images. Move towards to how to trace an image in Illustrator. Let’s explore Where is image trace in Illustrator.

Make sure you have the Image Trace window by moving to “Window” and then select “image Trace”.

Step-3: Select the image

With the “Image Trace” window is open, go next and click on the “image” to select it. We will now have access to the other options.

Step-4: Select black and white

• Go next and convert this to a “Black and White” vector image.
• On the dropdown menu, select “Black and White” and then click on the “Trace” on the bottom right.

Step-5: Select Color

When you are working with colors expects a little more creative thinking. We will require a limited number of colors to create a workable image, but we can also use it to create something that is visually attractive.

From the “mode” in a dropdown menu, and then select Color.

Step-6: Select limit color version

• Now you can convert a photo to a black and white vector image. You can try to determine other settings according to your need to get some interesting results.
• Move towards and make a limited color version of the photo instead of all.
• “Undo the Image” Trace by going to click on “Edit” and then select the “Undo Image Tracing”.

Step-7: Make the color palette

Make sure that Palette is set to Limit and The number of colors you utilize will have a significant impact on the graphic colors. The smaller palette sizes will create dramatic highlights and shadows.

Go next and select around “20”.

Step-8: Trace Selection

• Now Select the “Trace” option from the bottom right.
• It takes some time to process depends upon the settings that you selected.

Now the whole process is complete of tracing the image in illustrator. A visually unique vector version of your image. There are many more further settings you can use to adjust and change the image according to your need.

Related Post: What is Adobe Illustrator used for?

Tracing Preset

Determines a tracing preset. The icons found across the top of the panel are shortcuts named according to popular workflows.

Selecting one of these presets sets all the variables required to generate that relevant tracing result. Tracing preset available in the image trace panel.

There are some tracing preset available in adobe illustrator.

Auto color: Creates a posterized image from a photo or artwork.

High color: creates photorealistic artwork of high commitment.

Low color: Create simplified artwork.

Grayscale: trace the artwork in the shade of gray.

Black and white: simplify the image to black and white artwork.

Outline: facilitates the image with a black outline.

Basic tools of Adobe illustrator

There are many tools in illustrator which are used in creating artwork. we will focus on the use of basic tools that a beginner must know. To begin with, the tools that are shown in the toolbox.

Related Post: How to Crop in illustrator?

Selection tool

It is used to choose any shape or object on the document window.

Direct Selection Tool

The Direct Selection tool boosts in enlarging the edges of the existing shape to create a new shape.

Magic wand Tool

The magic wand tool can be used in selecting shapes and objects with easier factors.

Lasso tool

Lasso tool version of the Selection tool. This tool also helps in the selection of more than one object or shape.

Pen Tool

In the middle, you may find it tough to use but later on, you will enjoy this tool.

Line segment tool

The line segment tool in the drawing is creating straight lines and you can adjust the length, angle, color, and width of the line accordingly.

Gradient Tool

This is a very useful tool as it helps in giving various colors to your artwork, from solid to light.

Fill and stroke Tool

The tool is used in filling shade, gradient, or patterns in the artwork.

Blend color Tool

We all understand what blending means and the same meaning refers here. Blend Tools help in blending colors.

Conclusion

Here are some steps that you should follow while tracing an image in illustrator. You can do it by yourself after reading this article.

Now you can understand how to trace images in illustrator, what are the features of adobe illustrator, and what tracking preset available in adobe illustrator.

This can help you to draw as much as you want. You can learn the tools and how they use in adobe illustrator that can work for beginners who don’t know the adobe illustrator feature, uses, and their tools.

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