Vectorising line art

[Jaxxon]

Any suggestions on good software to create a vector file from an image file? Its just a line drawing but in jpeg format and the printer needs it in vector format. I don't have creative suite, mostly going with free software at the moment.

Any recommendations very much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[KmH]

If my understanding is correct, if the lines were not drawn using a vector tool, like a Pen tool, it can't be made a vector file type.

 

[Braineack]

there's apps that can do it. not well, but they can.

adobe illustrator's live trace for example.

 

[TreeofLifeStairs]

I've only used illustrator to do it but I thought it did a pretty good job.

 

[Jaxxon]

Thanks guys, I noticed there's a free trial of illustrator available so maybe I'll give that a go. I've never used it so will probably take a while hah!

If my understanding is correct, if the lines were not drawn using a vector tool, like a Pen tool, it can't be made a vector file type.

That's what I thought too but apparently it is possible for simple graphics. I guess the software reads it in and draws it again. I don't know how well it will work, although it is really simple graphics, just line art. The main reason I am doing this is because the file was not high resolution enough for the printer (print24) and they asked me to to scale it up, however the quality would have dropped since it wasn't vector.

Thats how I understood it anyway

 

[Dave442]

I would take it to someone that uses Illustrator, they do this all the time.

 

[sm4him]

If my understanding is correct, if the lines were not drawn using a vector tool, like a Pen tool, it can't be made a vector file type.

Not necessarily. Illustrator's live trace can do a pretty decent job, but it really depends on the starting image.

Thanks guys, I noticed there's a free trial of illustrator available so maybe I'll give that a go. I've never used it so will probably take a while hah!

If my understanding is correct, if the lines were not drawn using a vector tool, like a Pen tool, it can't be made a vector file type.

That's what I thought too but apparently it is possible for simple graphics. I guess the software reads it in and draws it again. I don't know how well it will work, although it is really simple graphics, just line art. The main reason I am doing this is because the file was not high resolution enough for the printer (print24) and they asked me to to scale it up, however the quality would have dropped since it wasn't vector.

Thats how I understood it anyway

Yes, it REALLY depends on the original graphic that you are trying to turn into a vector file. Simple images with good solid edges that are easy for Illustrator to "see" work best.

I've used AI's live trace before, with varying degrees of success. Sometimes it works brilliantly, with little more I have to do, sometimes not so much.

Another option--again, depending on what the original image is--is to use the original as a base layer, then create a new layer and use the pen tool to simply trace it yourself. I find this to be about the fastest, simplest way much of the time.

 

[Jaxxon]

Great, I'll try the trace option first and then that pen tool, if I can't work it out then I'll ask a friend for help. Thanks for your help guys!

 

[RitchieE24]

I have a really basic program at work called "Vector Magic". I have used it a lot on low res Jpegs of logos to create vectors. It doesn't like text though. It actually hates it a lot.

 

[ak_]

Inkscape.