How to Convert JPG to Vector

Vector graphics are ideal for use in logos, images or simple illustrations because they have clean lines. Since they are created using equations instead of pixels, you can resize them without sacrificing quality. Vector images are commonly used in graphic design and commercial marketing. Although most vector images are created brand new, you can use an image editing program to “turn” a JPG image into a vector image.

Table of Contents

Using Adobe Illustrator

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Open Adobe Illustrator. Adobe Illustrator is a professional image creation program, this is the simplest way to create vector images from JPG files. If you can’t access Illustrator, read the instructions in the next section to learn how to use the free GIMP program and the Inkscape feature.

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Change to the “Tracing” workspace. Click on the menu in the top right corner of the screen and select “Tracing”. You should see the “Image Trace” panel appear.

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Add the JPG image you want to convert to the artboard. Click the File menu or drag and drop the file.

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Select an image on the artboard. The tracing option in the Image Trace panel will be enabled.

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Check the “Preview” dialog box on the Image Trace panel. This option allows you to preview different settings before applying, but it will take a long time to change.

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Try a preset in the Image Trace control panel. There are 5 preset buttons at the top of the panel, you can open the drop-down menu to see more presets. Buttons in the first row include:

Auto Cpor – Creates a stylized set of colors based on the original color.
High Cpor – Focus on full color reproduction.
Low Cpor – Create a simplified version of the original color.
Grayscale – Replaces colors with shades of gray.
Black and White – Minimize colors to black and white.

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Use the color slider to adjust the color complexity. Images converted to vector often do not display all natural colors well, you will get better results if you reduce the number of colors used. The image will look more monotonous .

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Expand the “Advanced” section in the Image Trace panel. You will see a more detailed adjustment panel during the image trace.

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Use the “Paths” slider to adjust the distance between the path and the pixel. Drag the slider left to loosen the path, drag to the right to narrow the distance. When the distance between the paths is large, the contours will look softer.

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Use the “Corners” slider to adjust the degree of cornering. Drag the slider to the left for more rounded corners, making the image softer.

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Use the “Noise” slider to reduce noise. This slider determines which groups of pixels are considered “noise” and do not appear in the trace. This slider can straighten lines and smooth rough spots.

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Click “Trace” when satisfied. Illustrator will start tracing the image, you may have to wait a while.

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Click the “Expand” button. This option will convert the trace object to an actual vector line and replace the JPG image with a vector.

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Export images in vector format. After completing the tracing process, you can export the image in vector format. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Click the File or Illustrator menu and choose “Save As”.
Save a copy as .ai format. That way you can reopen the file in Illustrator and make further edits.
Choose a vector format from the “Save As Type” menu, which includes SVG (web page) and PDF (print).
Do not save the file as PNG or JPG as this is not a vector format.

Using GIMP and Inkscape

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Download and install GIMP and Inkscape. This is a free, open source program that creates vector images from JPG files. GIMP is an image editing program similar to Photoshop, and Inkscape is a vector graphics editing program similar to Illustrator. Both are supported on all operating systems.

You can download GIMP at gimp.org . Run the installer compatible with the operating system and keep the default settings.
You can download Inkscape from inkscape.org . Run the installer compatible with the operating system and keep the default settings.
This method is only suitable for simple images with basic colors such as logos and icons. Converting detailed images requires a lot of work to soften corners or choose the right color.

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Use the Rectangle Select tool to select the part of the image you want to convert to vector. Use the selection tool to create a border around the image. This makes color correction easier.

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Click on the “Image” menu and choose “Crop to Selection” . This will cut out everything, leaving only the selected part.

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Click on the “Image” menu and select “Autocrop” . This option will narrow down your choices.

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Export file. After cropping, you can export the file. Click the File menu and select “Export As”. Keep the default settings and name the file to distinguish it from the uncut version.

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Load the file into Inkscape. After exporting the file, open it in Inkscape. You should see the file appear in the Inkscape workspace.

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Click on the photo to select. You need to select the image before tracing in Inkscape.

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Click on “Path” and select “Trace Bitmap.” This is the operation to open the Trace Bitmap window.

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Choose different methods and click the “Update” button. This option will preview the vector image when doing vectorization.

The “Cpors” option allows you to choose a color that is closest to the original color.

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Adjust settings with the preset method. You can adjust settings with most presets. Click “Update” after changing the settings to see the results.

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Click “OK” when satisfied with the results. The original image will be traced and replaced by the vector image.

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Use the “Edit paths by nodes” tool to make adjustments. This tool allows you to select each area of the vector image and drag the button to adjust the size and tint. Click on the image and you will see many small boxes appear. Drag these cells to change the shape of the selection. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Use the “Break Path” tool to separate the stuck points. During the trace, some parts of the image stick together unintentionally. The Break Paths tool allows you to separate each part by removing the link points.

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Save the image as a vector when finished. Once you’re satisfied with your vector image, you can save it as a vector image.

Click the File menu and select “Save As”.
Choose a vector format from the “Save as type” menu. Common formats are SVG (for websites) and PDF (for printing).
Save a copy as Inkscape SVG so it can be reopened and edited further.

Steps

Using Adobe Illustrator

Using GIMP and Inkscape

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