How to turn an image into a vector on Illustrator: step by step guide!

In this tutorial you will learn how to use key tools in Adobe Illustrator to turn an image into a vector graphic.

So what is a vector? A vector graphic is artwork made up of points, lines, and curves that are based upon mathematical equations rather than pixels. This means that the artwork will never have jagged lines or blurriness, no matter the size. Logos and simple illustrated artwork are best to have in vector files. Vector files do not lose quality compared to Jpg and other pixel based files, which will loose file data every time they are opened and saved.

When printing images onto products, it is important to have clear artwork to ensure a quality print. Follow these steps and in no time you will have a high quality vector graphic!

Step 1: Setting Up Your Document

Create a new document of your choice, i have chosen the standard A4 canvas.

Make sure to set the resolution to 300 and have your document in the correct colour mode, for online uses only select RGB and CMYK if you are going to print.

Once all selected, press create and your document should appear.

Step 2: Using Image Trace

Copy and paste your image onto your blank canvas, resizing if needed by holding down shift while increasing/decreasing the size.

Using the top black arrow in the tools bar, select your image and click ‘Window’ and select ‘Image Trace’ from the drop down box.

A box will then appear, click trace to trace your image. Once the image is traced you can alter the settings by clicking the ‘Advanced’ drop down arrow to reveal the image trace settings. You can increase or decrease the threshold, paths, corners & noise to achieve a clear image.

Now you have a nice clean vector graphic!

Step 3: Expanding Your Image

Expanding your image enables you to divide a single object into multiple objects that make up its appearance.

To do this, click on your image and go to Object > Expand.

Using the white arrow you can now select individual shapes to either fill with colour or remove the white.

Fill in your shape with colour by using the fill and stroke icons.

A quick way to remove all the white is to click ‘Select’ followed by ‘Same’, then select ‘Fill Color’ from the drop down box. This will remove all the white in the shape, leaving you with a clean line drawing.