How to Convert Image to Vector in Illustrator ?

How to Convert Image to Vector in Illustrator ?
Vectorizing an image is easier than ever before with the advent of Adobe Illustrator. This toolkit allows you to quickly turn your JPEG and PNG images into vector form with no quality loss. Although the process can be quite tedious, this tutorial guide will simplify it for you. In this article, we are going to show you, how to convert Image to Vector in Illustrator cc 2021. Also, our step-by-step guides help you to convert low-resolution images to high-resolution vector files within few minutes.
But before we dive into the stepwise guide required to convert images to vector form in Illustrator, it’s important that we let you understand what vector tracing means.
Table of Contents
What is Vector Tracing?
Vector tracing is the conversion of JPEG/PNG or raster graphics or images into vector form. Alternatively, it can be defined as the recreation of an image from an existing one using vector software like Adobe Illustrator. This form of drawing takes into account the magnitude and direction of all the details of the image. Mind you, these features (magnitude and direction) can be altered to suit your requirement. What this means in essence is that you can manage the size of an image. So how can you perform this operation- vector drawing?
How to Convert Image to Vector Using Adobe Illustrator
Here is the stepwise guide you need to follow when using Adobe Illustrator to convert your image or graphics to vector:
Step 1: Open the Image in Adobe Illustrator
On the complete download and installation of Adobe Illustrator on your PC, click on the ‘File’ button at the top left corner of your screen, scroll down to ‘Open’ then click on it. You will be directed to your local drive where your images are stored. Select your preferred photograph, then tap the ‘Open’ button.
Step 2: Trace the Image
After adding the image, select ‘Window’ and a drop-down menu will pop up. Choose ‘Image Trace’ from the options that appear and a panel titled- Image Trace will appear on your screen.
Now find the option ‘Preview’, then tick it. With that, your image will appear in vector format. Mind you, the image might not appear as clean as you want but don’t worry there are a few steps to rectify this effect.
Step 3: Select a Suitable Mode and Color for you Drawing
Next, locate and click on the ‘Mode’ drop-down menu, then select any of the following modes:
- Color
- Gray
- Black and White

Image credit: Stickermule
Next, adjust the slider for any of these three modes that you’ve selected. When making this adjustment, you should take a look at your image to see whether or not it suits what you want. For instance, when your preferred mode is ‘Color’, and you adjust the slider, the image below is the result you will get:

Image Credit: Stickermule
Step 4: Advanced Settings
Once you’ve completed the step above, toggle the ‘Advanced’ settings menu down and more options will pop up on your screen.
Many options will appear underneath this setting, let’s start with the ‘Path’ slider. Adjust the slider to fit your desire. See the image below to understand this:

Image Credit: Stickermule
Next is the ‘Corners’ slider. This will help you adjust the corners of your designs. For a sharper curve, move the slider to the extreme right. But if you want a round curve around your design, move the slider towards the left till it fits your needs. Here is a visual representation of this:
Next, it’s the ‘Noise’ slider we have to adjust. The ‘Noise’ slider instructs Adobe Illustrator to pay little or no attention to parts of your design that fits within the pixel amount set. This feature lets you eliminate those artifacts present on your design or image without compromising the quality. However, you have to be careful when using this feature as it might erase those vital parts of your designs making your work unattractive.

Convert image to vector in Illustrator
Step 5: Export the Image
When you are done with vectorizing your image following steps 1 through 4, the final thing to do is to export the edited image to your hard drive. Use the hotkeys ‘Ctrl’ + S. Another way you can do this is by clicking on the ‘File’ option, scroll down to where ‘Save’ is, click on it and a new panel will open. Select a folder to save the image, then hit the ‘Save’ button.
Now you have the tutorial guide to vectorize your JPEG/PNG images, you shouldn’t find the struggle executing the task. Although the guide is simple and straightforward, you must practice as often as possible for perfectionism. However, we do recommend that you seek Clipping Path Creative assistance if perfectionism is what you desire. You might be wondering how the process works at Clipping Path Creative Inc. Well, the next few paragraphs will explain the process.
Vector Tracing Services at Clipping Path Creative
Clipping Path Creative is a multinational company that renders countless photo/graphics editing services such as; background removal, color-changing, car photo editing, photo retouching, banner design, clipping path, Vector conversion, and many others. Also, we are offering you to remove the watermark from the Shutterstock vector file then you can use it anywhere without any attribution. All of these services are executed using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator– two powerful photo editing/graphics designing software. The company uses the Pen Tool in executing virtually all of its photo editing tasks and the results obtained are top-notch. Also, it offers a competitive price for the service it provides. Select from the several price plans that the company supports and you will be amazed at the magic performed on your images. So what are you waiting for?
Contact Clipping Path Creative today for all your photo or graphics editing jobs.
Conclusion
Finally, we can say that the conversion of images to vector forms in Adobe Illustrator is easier and quicker than ever before. You just need to follow the guide provided and boom you get a stunning result.