How to Convert a Bitmap to Vector

Manipulating points of an image is often easier when the image is in vector format rather than a bitmap format. Converting a bitmap to vector is easy if you have Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator software on your computer. Here's how to convert a bitmap to vector:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Bitmap image of your choice

1. 
    
   Start Adobe Photoshop.

   Start Adobe Photoshop and open the bitmap image you want to convert to vector.

2. In Adobe Photoshop, click "File" at the top of the menu, then choose "Export" and then "Paths To Illustrator".

3. Save the file as an Adobe Illustrator file in the folder of your choice.

4. 
    
   Start Adobe Illustrator.

   Close Adobe Photoshop and start Adobe Illustrator. Open the Adobe Illustrator file you just saved in Photoshop.

5. 
    
   Manipulate the image as a vector.

   You image will now be in vector form and you can change colors, manipulate points or apply filters as needed. Keep in mind that the software may not break up each part of the image exactly how you want it, so you may need to play around with the vector image to adjust it.

Tips & Warnings

• Adobe Indesign and Adobe Streamline can also convert bitmap images to vector.
• Be sure to check photo copyrights before manipulating images.

Resources

• How to Deal With Toxic People At Work
• Adobe website

[cdclocks]

on 6/17/2009 Sweet! I've never used Export Paths to Illustator before, but it sounds like a very simple and easy way to convert to vector graphics. Thanks! 5*

[taskeinc]

on 4/14/2009 You can do so many things with Adobe Photoshop. Nice article.

[sonni57]

on 4/11/2009 Nice and easy instructions on how to convert a bitmap to vextor.

[jenng]

on 4/11/2009 Great article on how to convert a bitmap to vector 5*

[bradmauer]

on 4/10/2009 sounds easy enough