Convert raster to vector

[Scuall]

I have a logo in .png format that I need to convert to a vector format (SVG). Is there an easy (and even better yet, free) way to do this? I don't have Illustrator. Downloaded Inkscape, but don't really get how to use the Potrace (Autotrace in Inkscape) function.

I'd rather not but software for this, as I don't foresee having to do thos too much in the future. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[SwiftLives]

Other than to redraw it, there's not really a good way to convert from raster to vector. Even Illustrator doesn't do a terribly good job with the conversion.

 

[Scuall]

Yeah, that's what I've heard. I did find something interesting online, http://vectormagic.com/ . You can upload to their site and it'll auto-convert. Problem is, the freebie only converts to .png, and also leaves a nice bit of advertising text embedded into the pic.

Anyone else have an idea? Decent shareware or freeware available?

 

[Kwill]

Yeah, that's what I've heard. I did find something interesting online, http://vectormagic.com/ . You can upload to their site and it'll auto-convert. Problem is, the freebie only converts to .png, and also leaves a nice bit of advertising text embedded into the pic.

Anyone else have an idea? Decent shareware or freeware available?

It converts to your choice of EPS, SVG, PDF, or PNG. Just pay $8 per month for three months of unlimited service (much less than buying Illustrator).

 

[heehee]

If it's a logo, you have to redraw it. Auto-convert softwares does not give you a smooth edge.

 

[ryum]

Full-resolution images is impossible to vectorize accurately.
When it comes to logos, you can either use Illustrators Live Trace feature (google it) to vectorize it for you, or you can draw on top of it using the pen tool.

Get a free trial from Adobe of Illustrator CS4.

 

[MagicWok]

I've used Vector Magic for a long time, all the way back when it was free to use! It does a much, much better job than Illustrator does, in fact Illustrator is pretty pathetic at it's Live Trace feature, I've never used it.

Would definately recommend the site as a good starting point.

 

[covisio]

If it's a one-off you could take it to a repro house that has high-end software such as ArtPro or similar. They will charge a fee, of course, but it shouldn't be much.
The quality of the path is determined by the quality of the image. If very high resolution than you will get a good edge. If not, you won't and you may as well redraw by hand using some sort of vector-based software such as EasyDraw or Intaglio.