How to Convert Raster to Vector

File conversion is a tedious process, especially when dealing with graphics. While changing a vector image to a raster image takes minutes, creating a vector image from a raster is extremely difficult. You will need a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of drawing in both raster and vector programs, as well as the advantages and limitations of both. Not to mention, the right tools.

Instructions

1. Open your vector program. Make sure you use an appropriate vector-based art program, as raster programs (usually any type of photo editing software) will not be able to convert from raster to vector, only the other way around. Adobe Illustrator works best, but you can also use Corel Draw.

2. Go to File>Place, and navigate to your raster image. This will put a copy of it in the document to use for reference. We will delete it later.

3. Resize the graphic to the size you want.

4. Go to Object>Lock>Selection. This will keep the raster graphic from moving so you can trace over it. This is where your understanding of how to draw with vector-based programs becomes crucial, as they are much different from raster-based ones. Vector programs usually have the ability to draw with both Bezier curves and points. Raster programs also allow you to create points, but only when using paths or layers, which do not actually change the image in any way.

5. Recreate a copy of the raster image on top of the raster image, using the Pen Tool, Bezier Curves, and all other necessary tools and features of your software. Trace line-by-line, stroke-by-stroke. Unlock the original graphic from time-to-time in order to check on your progress by going to Object>Unlock All, moving it out of the way, and doing a side-by-side comparison. If you are still not sure, print out a copy to make sure everything looks right.

6. Save your image in eps format.