How do I trace an image with Inkscape Trace Bitmap?
In Inkscape, import the image, select it and open Path → Trace Bitmap (Shift+Alt+B). For a one-color logo use Single scan with Brightness cutoff; for color use Multiple scans with detection mode Colors and as many scans as the logo has colors. Tick Stack scans and Remove background, click Apply, then delete the original image under the trace.
How do I trace an image in Inkscape, step by step?
- File → Import the PNG or JPG and choose Embed.
- Select the image and open Path → Trace Bitmap (Shift+Alt+B). The dialog opens on the right.
- Choose Single scan for a one-color logo or Multiple scans for color (settings below).
- Tick Live Preview (or click Update) and adjust until the preview matches the logo.
- Click Apply. The trace is placed exactly on top of the image.
- Drag the trace aside, delete the image, and move the trace back (or use Align and Distribute).
Which Trace Bitmap settings should I use?
| Setting | What it does | For a logo |
|---|---|---|
| Single scan: Brightness cutoff | Pixels darker than the threshold become the shape | One-color logos and black line art |
| Single scan: Edge detection | Traces the outlines of edges | Rarely: it doubles every line |
| Single scan: Centerline | One stroke down the middle of each line | Line drawings for plotters and engraving |
| Multiple scans: Colors | One layer of shapes per color | Color logos; set Scans to the number of colors |
| Stack scans | Layers stack instead of meeting edge to edge | On: it avoids gaps between colors |
| Remove background | Drops the lowest layer | On for a white or plain background |
| Speckles | Areas smaller than this many pixels are ignored | Raise it to drop noise and JPEG specks |
| Smooth corners | Rounds sharp bends | Lower for type and geometric logos |
| Optimize | Merges curve segments into fewer nodes | On; raise it until curves start to drift |
Why does my Inkscape trace look wrong?
Usually a small or JPEG image, too many or too few scans, or Stack scans left off. Every symptom with its cause and fix is in why does my Inkscape trace look bad.
Is there a faster way for a color logo?
Multiple scans needs tuning per image, more so on AI renders and JPEGs, whose soft edges and noisy shades become extra shapes. You can vectorize it online instead, compare it with your image for free, and open the downloaded SVG in Inkscape to keep editing.
When is SVGProof the wrong tool?
- Photos: Trace Bitmap turns them into many flat, posterized layers. Keep a photo as an image.
Questions
Where is Trace Bitmap in Inkscape?
Path → Trace Bitmap, or Shift+Alt+B. It is greyed out until an image is selected.
Is Inkscape free?
Yes. Inkscape is free and open source, for Windows, macOS and Linux.
How do I save the trace as SVG?
File → Save As, then Inkscape SVG to keep editing, or Plain SVG for other programs and cutting machines.
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