Easy way to convert Raster to Vector?

[djearlybird]

What's the easiest way to do this? Is there a simple shareware program, or do I have to use something in Adobe CS? Let me know, thanks!

 

[ChicoWeb]

There isn't. You'll have to recreate it in vector, or try live trace. Programs that do this are $$$

 

[LeviG]

if you have access to windows there is raster vector which may do what you're after - never used it though.

 

[bartelby]

There's a program called Delineate.
It's kinda awkward and the previews don't work, but it does output .svg files.

 

[jsm4182]

http://vectormagic.stanford.edu/

 

[bartelby]

http://vectormagic.stanford.edu/

That's brilliant!
Better than delineate.

Cheers for that!

 

[heehee]

http://vectormagic.stanford.edu/

That's cool. Thanks.

 

[Stampyhead]

Adobe used to have a program called Streamline that did this, but it looks like they have discontinued it in favor of the LiveTrace feature in Illustrator. That Vector Magic site looks promising...

 

[djearlybird]

http://vectormagic.stanford.edu/

WOW....just wow, thanks so much for the link.

 

[PupnTaco]

Great resource, thanks.

 

[doug in albq]

use Inkscape.

that free vector based drawing program has a pretty good built-in tracing program

 

[CMD is me]

I used Streamline for years, but honestly if you want a good vector image you're best doing it in AI yourself. You'll get a clean version and really good and making your curves! Good luck.

 

[AlexisV]

Illustrator CS2 has live trace, where you can just convert any bitmap image to vector. The results are variable, as you'd expect, but I find it really useful.

 

[SilkyLady]

Thanks

http://vectormagic.stanford.edu/

Thanks for the link. Very helpful!

 

[Muncher]

There isn't. You'll have to recreate it in vector, or try live trace. Programs that do this are $$$

What are you talking about? Of course there are programs out there that trace for you. Get Delineate, or if you've got good internet download inkscape, which has some really good trace features.

The Rule of Thumb: Wherever there are expensive graphics tools, there are programmer/artists who make their own so they don't have to pay.