How to Convert a Bitmap to Vector

Bitmap images are often converted to vector images for a couple reasons. A bitmap image is made up of pixels whereas a vector image is created with an equation that describes the image objects. Because of this, vector images are easily scaled while bitmap images become blurry when enlarged. Learn how to convert a bitmap to vector image.

Instructions

1. Hand-tracing
   Bitmap images cannot be directly converted, but instead are replicated and saved as a new vector image. This is usually done by either hand-tracing or auto-tracing with software. Hand-tracing refers to the process of actually tracing over a drawing that has been scanned in or imported into a graphics editor. Usually a tracing tool or even the pen tool in Adobe CS or Photoshop can be used to hand-trace a drawing in order to replicate it to save as a vector image.

2. Online Bitmap to Vector Image Converter
   There are a couple of online converter programs available for free. They require you to upload your bitmap image, then the program traces and replicates your image to vector and allows you to download the new vector image. See the resources section for a link to an online bitmap to vector converter.

3. Purchase Software
   There are many good programs that allow you to convert bitmap to vector images, but the best ones with the most features cost money to buy. One example is MagicTracer. MagicTracer does offer a full featured trial version good for 20 uses, so if you only have a few images to convert, you may want to consider downloading a trial version of MagicTracer.

4. Freeware software to Convert Bitmap to Vector
   As stated above, you can download a fully functioning version of MagicTracer and use it up to 20 times. See the resources section for a link to download and also a guide to use MagicTracer to convert bitmap to vector.

5. Convert Bitmap to Vector using Flash
   If you have a copy of Flash, you can use it to convert a bitmap to vector. First import your bitmap image into flash, then simply use the Trace Bitmap tool to convert by going to: Modify-> Bitmap -> Trace Bitmap.

Tips & Warnings

• A bitmap image is not truly "converted" into a vector image but is replicated as a vector image. There is no direct conversion for bitmap into vector.

Resources

• Online raster (bitmap) to vector converter
• Vector magic online converter
• MagicTracer
• How to Convert Bitmap to Vector with MagicTracer