Investigating Methods for Tracking Images in Adobe Illustrator and Top Options for Equivalent Software
In the competitive world of graphic design, having a user-friendly and efficient tool is crucial. That's where Curve (formerly known as Vectornator) comes into play, offering a competitive alternative to Adobe Illustrator with its powerful Auto Trace feature.
Auto Trace is a game-changer, leveraging AI technology to convert raster images into vector graphics. This feature simplifies the manual tracing process, making it quicker and easier to create editable vector shapes from various types of images, including sketches, illustrations, and photographs.
How Auto Trace Works
Auto Trace begins by analysing the imported image to determine the best method for converting it into vector shapes. It offers different modes for different image types, ensuring optimal results.
- Sketch Mode is ideal for black-and-white line drawings, lettering, or logos. It allows adjustments for complexity, contrast, and even has an "Ignore White" toggle for crisp vector paths.
- Illustration Mode is suitable for colorful designs, offering sliders for detail level, color precision, and gradient smoothness, along with a "Simplify Path" toggle to reduce node count.
- Photography Mode converts pixel-based images into smooth vector paintings, perfect for turning photos into vector art with editable shapes.
- Basic Shapes automatically detects and vectorizes geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles into clean vector objects.
Moreover, Auto Trace employs AI to detect and remove backgrounds automatically, streamlining the process even further.
Using Auto Trace to Trace an Image
To use Auto Trace in Curve, follow these simple steps:
- Import your image into the application.
- Choose the imported image to prepare it for tracing.
- Open the quick actions menu and tap on "Auto Trace."
- Depending on the type of image, select the appropriate mode (Sketch, Illustration, or Photography) and adjust settings like complexity, detail level, and color precision as needed.
- Refine the vector by adding or removing paths, adjusting colors, and fine-tuning other details to match your vision.
By following these steps, you can efficiently convert images into editable vector graphics using Curve's Auto Trace feature.
On the other hand, if you prefer Adobe Illustrator, here's how you can trace a logo:
- Open Illustrator and go to File > Open.
- Select your logo file.
- Go to Window > Image Trace.
- Select the logo.
- Go to Mode > Black and White.
- Adjust the Threshold.
- Trace the image.
A digital photo with few colors and simple shapes is recommended for beginners using Illustrator's Image Trace tool.
In Illustrator, fine-tuning a traced image involves editing the colors of the image itself or expanding the image and using the Direct Selection Tool (A) to select the areas you want to recolor.
The Paths slider in the Image Trace panel sets the number of paths in your design, while the Colors slider determines the amount of detail included in a color image, and the Threshold slider sets a value where pixels darker than it are converted to black.
Working with smaller file sizes is more accessible and less complicated. Remember, striking a balance between the number of paths and the detail level is essential to avoid distorting your image or producing jagged edges.
Adobe Illustrator offers a seven-day free trial before purchasing. With its powerful vector drawing tools and the Image Trace feature, it remains a popular choice among graphic designers. However, Curve's Auto Trace offers a competitive alternative, simplifying the graphic design process and making it more accessible to beginners.
