How to Trace Artwork in Illustrator CS3
The implementation of graphic software into the workstation of artists has completely changed how basic operations are performed. For example, tracing artwork no longer requires you to use a pen and tracing paper to complete. Adobe's Illustrator CS3 features a Live Trace feature that allows imported images to be transformed into newly generated images. This program is available as a stand-alone visual program or as one part of the Adobe Creative Suites packaging product.
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Instructions
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Open your Illustrator program and import the intended picture for this project. Click on "File" at the top left corner of your window, then choose "Place." This allows you to browse for the artwork for this project. Double-click on the intended file to open.
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Click on the "Live Trace" button right above your artwork, converting the imported image into a vector format for easy editing. The optional menu above your workstation updates to allow for more editing features.
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3
Select the "Tracing Options" menu above your workstation to load a list of adjustable settings. Update the "Threshold" to a larger number than appears, creating a bold look in your original artwork. Click on "Preview" on the right side of this menu to update your artwork, then adjust the "Threshold" bar as needed.
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Set the "Blur" option in the tracing menu to 0.2 pixels. This will smooth out all of the lines in your imported image. Click on the "Trace" button to finalize these settings.
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Move your cursor over the "Live Paint" button at the top of your document and select this feature. This defines each of the features in your artwork, allowing you to easily color in each of the intended sections of the tracing.
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Fill each of the desired sections of your traced artwork with the intended colors. Use the Eyedropper tool on the left menu if you want to use the exact colors from the original artwork.
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Save your traced artwork. For Mac OSX, hit "Command" and "S" on your keyboard to load the save menu. Hit "Ctrl" and "S" for Windows users. If you want to use this traced drawing on the Iternet, click on "File" and choose the option to save for Web use. Save the file as a .JPG or .PNG file.
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