Convert raster image to vector with Pixelmator Pro help

[wittydolphin]

Illustrator's auto tracer isn't perfect (unless it's improved with AI recently, I don't use it much). But even still it's the best automatic tool I've found to convert raster to vector. It just requires a bit of touch up after the auto trace, depending upon the complexity of the image.

I don’t think there’s any perfect software, but i remembered about Inkscape a free software, I will have to check it out, the interface just looks a little complicated though.

 

[Slartibart]

Are you okay with using the command line? Then visioncortex vtracer (aka vtracer) is one of the nice options (not a complete list, but anyway).
Another option with live preview is to use autotrace via a python plugin in Gimp - scroll to the end of the page to get the python plug-in; get autotrace here (or use brew).

EDIT: vtracer can be installed and used via python.

 

[Ctrlos]

As someone who has been doing this exact thing for over 20 years I find it amazing there isn't a more mainstream piece of software. Illustrator and Corel Draw's tracing features are a little hit and miss. Assuming you want the vectors for something like laser engraving (my use case) then you also want the ability to draw dimensioned shapes alongside that and niether Corel nor Adobe make technical drawing applications. Incredibly there isn't a vectorisation tool or addon for AutoCAD.

The only software I've found that can do it properly is Techsoft 2D Design, an applicaiton we use in schools here in the UK. It looks pretty ancient but its very good at what it does which is teaching technical drawing and vectorising images for projects and laser manufacture.

 

[Alex Cai]

You can ask chatgpt for anything further, chatgpt have knowledge of how to use pixelmator as if it read the entire manual and knew every feature and button

 

[ignatius345]

As someone who has been doing this exact thing for over 20 years I find it amazing there isn't a more mainstream piece of software. Illustrator and Corel Draw's tracing features are a little hit and miss.

Same. I have found that in the end if I want it really tight with as few points as possible I have to trace it myself. Especially if the source material is not perfect and I have to use some judgement.

 

[wittydolphin]

Are you okay with using the command line? Then visioncortex vtracer (aka vtracer) is one of the nice options (not a complete list, but anyway).
Another option with live preview is to use autotrace via a python plugin in Gimp - scroll to the end of the page to get the python plug-in; get autotrace here (or use brew).

EDIT: vtracer can be installed and used via python.

Have very minimal experience with command line. I do appreciate all the suggestions, ideas and advice. I will look into it. Thank you.

 

[wittydolphin]

You can ask chatgpt for anything further, chatgpt have knowledge of how to use pixelmator as if it read the entire manual and knew every feature and button

I use the free version all the time 😃

 

[wittydolphin]

As someone who has been doing this exact thing for over 20 years I find it amazing there isn't a more mainstream piece of software. Illustrator and Corel Draw's tracing features are a little hit and miss. Assuming you want the vectors for something like laser engraving (my use case) then you also want the ability to draw dimensioned shapes alongside that and niether Corel nor Adobe make technical drawing applications. Incredibly there isn't a vectorisation tool or addon for AutoCAD.

The only software I've found that can do it properly is Techsoft 2D Design, an applicaiton we use in schools here in the UK. It looks pretty ancient but its very good at what it does which is teaching technical drawing and vectorising images for projects and laser manufacture.

Actually what I’m trying to do is work on print on demand t-shirt designs for sites such as Teepublic, Teespring and others using various software and apps. I appreciate your suggestions, I will look at the app you mentioned. Thank you!

 

[Ctrlos]

Actually what I’m trying to do is work on print on demand t-shirt designs for sites such as Teepublic, Teespring and others using various software and apps. I appreciate your suggestions, I will look at the app you mentioned. Thank you!

Having looked at the market it seems like Adobe Express might be your best bet. Exports SVG (for free) and doesn’t need a CC sub. Native software Vector Q might be worth a go.

 

[Slartibart]

exporting SVG does not create a vector of an embedded raster/pixel image. Maybe upscaling is an option for the OP? There is plenty of software out there which can do that… combining that then for example with vector typography might be an option… (?)

 

[splifingate]

I have used Inkscape for basic trace functionality (similar to what CorelDraw did/does have). I import the output into Affinity Designer for further editing.

VectorQ is an amazing App, and--while it does a really great job at 1:1 tracing--it excels at variations-on-a-theme tracing. Installed it early-on, and I don't really remember paying for it.

One thing I've found over the years, is that it's often more time-wise just to manually-trace one's bitmaps . . . the amount of time spent post-trace-editing/separating/re-grouping can become extremely tedious

 

[MacGizmo]

the amount of time spent post-trace-editing/separating/re-grouping can become extremely tedious

Agreed. I've always taken the stance of "if these auto-trace apps work perfectly out of the gate, then fantastic. But if it requires any amount of touchups, it's better and faster to trace by hand."