How do I vectorize an image?
To vectorize an image, trace it: software finds the shapes in the pixels and redraws them as curves. Online, upload it to a vectorizer such as SVGProof and download the SVG. In Illustrator, use Image Trace, then Expand. In the free Inkscape, use Path → Trace Bitmap. All three work best on logos, icons and flat graphics, not photos.
Which way should I pick?
| Way | Cost | Good when |
|---|---|---|
| Online vectorizer (this site) | Free preview; $10 buys 25 downloads | You have no vector software, or the image is an AI render or a JPEG |
| Illustrator Image Trace | Adobe subscription | You already work in Illustrator and want to tune each trace by hand |
| Inkscape Trace Bitmap | Free, desktop install | Simple art with one to three colors, and time to adjust settings |
How do I vectorize an image online?
- Drop the logo on this page (or paste it). PNG, JPG or WEBP up to 5 MB and 17 megapixels (8192 px on a side); larger images are scaled to 4 megapixels first.
- Compare the vector with your image in the editor, zoomed in. Remove the background, merge near-duplicate colors or snap them to your brand colors if you need to.
- Download the SVG (one credit) and open it in Figma, Illustrator, Inkscape, Affinity, or send it to your printer.
How do I vectorize an image in Illustrator?
- File → Place the image, then click Embed in the Properties panel.
- Select it and open Window → Image Trace.
- Set Mode to Color, Palette to Limited, and Colors to the number of colors in the design.
- Under Advanced, raise Noise to drop specks and tick Ignore White to drop a white background. Click Trace.
- Object → Expand turns the trace into paths you can edit.
Each setting is explained in how to vectorize in Illustrator.
How do I vectorize an image in Inkscape?
- File → Import the image (embed it).
- Select it and open Path → Trace Bitmap (Shift+Alt+B).
- For one color, use Single scan with Brightness cutoff. For several, use Multiple scans, detection mode Colors, and set Scans to the number of colors. Tick Stack scans and Remove background.
- Click Apply. The trace lands exactly on top of the image: drag it aside and delete the image.
Every setting is explained in Inkscape Trace Bitmap, step by step.
How do I check the result?
Zoom in to 800 %: curves smooth, corners pointed, letters intact, no white hairlines between colors. Then run the file through the SVG checker: it counts the points and flags an embedded image. Before printing, go through the preflight checklist.
When is SVGProof the wrong tool?
- Photos. Every tracer turns a photo into thousands of flat blobs, a poster effect rather than a usable vector; keep photos as images.
- A logo you want redesigned: tracing keeps the design. See auto-trace or redraw.
Questions
Is there a free way to vectorize an image?
Inkscape is free. On SVGProof the preview, comparison and editing are free; a PNG up to 512 px is free too. The SVG and full-size PNG of one logo cost one credit ($10 buys 25).
What is the difference between vectorizing and tracing?
None in practice: tracing is the method that produces the vector.
How do I vectorize a JPG?
The same way. JPEG compression adds blocks and speckles, so remove noise or use a vectorizer that ignores it: see JPG to SVG.
Checked against the product on 2026-11-04. Numbers are measured by the engine, prices come from the checkout. This page as Markdown · Facts with sources