How to Convert JPEG to Vector Adobe CS3

JPEG was created to help photographers transmit their images electronically.

A JPEG is a standard graphics file format typically used for continuous tone or black and white images. Converting it to a vector -- or mathematically-based image -- is a process that is easily accomplished in Adobe Illustrator CS3 with the "Live Trace" functionality. Vector images can be scaled infinitely without loss of quality, whereas a JPEG will become pixelated and suffer greatly from enlargement.

Instructions

1. Open Illustrator. Select "File" to create a new file for your vector image. Select "Place" from the "File" menu. Navigate to a JPEG file on your computer when prompted by the dialog box, then click the "Place" button. The JPEG will be placed on your layer, which is "Layer 1."

2. Select "Template" from the "Layers" palette. Click the "New Layer" button. This is the drawing layer. Select the image with the "Selection" tool.

3. Select the pull down menu next to "Live Trace." Configure the tracing options for your image. Choose "Photo Low Fidelity," "Photo High Fidelity" or "Grayscale." These options will render a vector tracing with a varying degree of colors. Click "Trace."

4. Click "Expand" to reveal the vector paths that comprise your traced JPEG.

References

• Tutorial 9: Adobe Illustrator Tips: Live Trace