Vectorize all or part of an image.
Select the vectorizing tool from the palette.

Tolerance:

Determine the number of points forming the paths on vectorization.
This value must be chosen according to the resolution, quality, and complexity of the image to be vectorized.
If the tolerance is increased, fewer points are generated. If some details are missing or the paths are not true enough to the original, reduce the tolerance.
If the tolerance is reduced, more points are generated. If some details of the paths or smudges in the original are not required, increase the tolerance.
It is important to adjust the tolerance as well as possible to obtain the best result. To do this, do tests on the representative part of the image.

Dust:

Avoids vectorizing small areas, dust, stains, etc.
Adapt the filter to the size of the largest unwanted zones.
Method:
Vectorizing black and white images.
Vectorizing color images. The image will be vectorized according to the colors in the color list (see Extracting the colors).
Masking the image (see Masking an image). Only the color of the zone which has been clicked will be vectorized. The other colors will be taken as a single color, which creates a mask covering the color clicked.
Nested areas:
Nests the colors: the paths forming the color zone fit together like a jigsaw.
Overlaps the colors: the paths forming the color zones are covered, possibly by several layers.
Include white: When checked, the uncolored parts of the image are considered as a white path to be vectorized.

Vectorizing a black and white image:
Select the black and white vectorizing method , then take the vectorizing tool and click in the image or draw a rectangle round the zone to be vectorized.
A beep signal tells you when vectorization is complete.
The vectorized paths appear in your document above the original image.


Original
Outline view
Preview view

Vectorizing an image in colors:
Select the color vectorizing method . Then extract the colors using the color extraction tool (see Extracting the colors).
Select the vectorizing tool and click in the image or draw a rectangle round the zone to be vectorized.
A beep signal tells you when vectorization is complete.
The vectorized contours appear in your document above the original image.

Original
Outline view
Preview view

Vectorizing a mask for an image:
Select the mask vectorizing method .
Select the vectorizing tool and click in the backgroung area of the image to be masked.
A beep signal tells you when vectorization is complete.
The vectorized paths appear in your document above the original image. To actually mask the image, select the paths and the image, then choose Clipping Mask : Make from the Object menu.
Vectorizing a mask operates both on black and white or colored images.

Original
Outline view

Comments:
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To vectorize poor quality images, carry out tolerance adjustment tests by only vectorizing a representative part.
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To vectorize black and white images, make sure they have actually been created in black and white (1 bit grey scale) and not in grey shades or colors..
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If you have to scan an image in, adjust the scanning resolution to suite the smallest details of the image. A resolution of 300 DPI is usually good enough. Increase to 600 DPI if the details aren't showing up correctly..
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Vectorizing an image that has an excessively high resolution will show up unwanted details, such as the paper weave. If you vectorize an image that has been printed at 300 DPI, you mustn't scan it at a higher resolution.
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To stop an on-going vectorization, press the dot (.) key while holding down the Command () key.


Examples of tolerance settings:


Original


Tolerance: 0.5


Tolerance: 1.8


Tolerance: 5.0

Comment:
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If the tolerance is too small, it will generate more points on the paths and may show up unwanted details.
If the tolerance is too high, it will generate fewer points on the paths and may omit details.