Why Image Trace Fails: A Superior Method for Vectorizing Designs

[@CharleyPangus]

The first 500 people to use my link skl.sh/charleypangus05241 will get a 1-month free trial of Skillshare premium!

[@tomislavherega7909]

I’ve been using this method for a while now, and a downside you should be aware of are compound shapes it may create

[@Coldie42]

ive been following you for years. happy to see you thriving and providing such quality process for the creative community

[@CharleyPangus]

I appreciate that!

[@TheWaelmorgan77]

That is a great video. I think I would like to see how you did the color separation. If you have this already on another video, would you kindly share its link..Thanks again

[@CharleyPangus]

Hey thanks for watching! Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nanUcoema8x3pLcsi=ylW06dXykfKEFJWk

[@TheWaelmorgan77]

@@CharleyPangus thanks a lot. You are the man

[@romanellod]

Really good technique! I have been doing it for over 15 years and I have never thought about doing like that! Well done!

[@CharleyPangus]

Great to hear!

[@clairemardesich8576]

Yet again you've changed my life! Thank you so much, Charley!

[@CharleyPangus]

Wow what a huge compliment! Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@Elephant70]

thank you! New ... learning on my own ... stupid question but here it is anyway: Once I have the picture vectored, colored, sized, etc. and ready to save as an Ai file for a tshirt is there anything else I need to do to the vector ... such as group or lock all the pieces together somehow?

[@caiotak]

thats insane, thanks, i used to separate the color basicly the same way and export as a bitmap, the downside was that i could not get away from that bitmap look.

[@CharleyPangus]

@@caiotak yeah it can be tricky for sure! Glad you enjoyed my video.

[@h2nnes869]

Thank you this was super helpful, especially with high detail patterns with edges!

[@Lawdhavemercyyy]

Is there a tutorial for the technique you used to do this wolf? With the different colours and how you got the wolf to the point it is at in this video?

[@CharleyPangus]

This is a good one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nanUcoema8x3pLcsi=85m4tXo0D5Y6falg

[@theMoonStruckGuy]

How do you separate color???? This is awesome by the way...

[@CharleyPangus]

Hey! Thank you for watching. Check my last 3 videos and I have a color separation video.

[@graphicallydeb9897]

Wow! I’ve looked for this many times.. and today, I didn’t look and there you are!

[@CharleyPangus]

Yessssss I love hearing this.

[@interfectumstudios]

Dude thank you! This was beyond helpful. My mind is totally blown right now.

[@CharleyPangus]

🙏🏼😊

[@extraclip]

@@CharleyPangus Does this work in inkscape?

[@RjPerry1971]

Great video, How would I start with an image in photoshop that I didn't create and it had no layers already?

[@CharleyPangus]

I uploaded a video recently going over color separation. I would watch that video! Let me know if you have questions 🙏🏼

[@RjPerry1971]

@@CharleyPangus Thank you, do you happen to know the title of that video?

[@aidanoliver8209]

How was the red and white folder created? Doesn't this method select the whole image? How did you seperate those parts of the image prior?

[@CharleyPangus]

I did some prior color separation. I made a video recently on this. It’s about the 3rd video before this one. 🙏🏼

[@aidanoliver8209]

@@CharleyPangus Thanks for being patient and replying man. I'll look at that.

[@vladimirjunior1654]

Nice video! But, after you open the EPS from PS, isn't the separated layers is a group of clipping mask shape + raster image with the chosen color? Mine always have that, so i need to unclip first all the layers and leave only the shape and change color directly from Illustrator so now i can change the color freely

[@jbh4934]

Hi thx for the info! Any idea why the include vector data would be greyed out? Also do we have to toggle something to let photoshop create more than two paths?...Running 2024 on a new Mac Book Pro

[@AsadAraiz]

Can you tell me a method where a gradiant color is used and after image trace the color are not right

[@BigDub24]

So you need the original files with layers of you take an image from google or a client gives you a jpeg I guess the steps will be slightly different

[@CharleyPangus]

Yeah steps can change depending on the Situation.

[@TheLastDropSobrietyPodcast]

Solid! And you can take this a step further by Separating everything out in spot channels in PSD 1st. No More Pesky Image Trace!!

[@CharleyPangus]

Exactly! So many possibilities. Bye bye image trace. Haha

[@MphoBoshoga]

Yo crazy video! Do you know what it means if the eps file fails to open because of an “unknown error"?

[@CharleyPangus]

Could be a software issue. Might want to re-install Photoshop

[@latenightcanvas147]

Have any tips on creating lino cut style graphics?

[@CharleyPangus]

It sure what Lino is tbh haha

[@thejagman22]

This method is sort of just directly converting pixels into vector shapes, by which I mean you get jagged edges and in some cases tiny squares that used to be pixels. Plus you're gonna end up with a ton of vector data due to there being MILLIONS of vector points. Most of the time when you're wanting to convert art to vectors, part of the purpose is to smooth it out somewhat (a logo, for example) and then, yes, that smooth data can be printed at any size. But with this method, the resulting vectors resemble pixelation so much, that if you printed in large format, it's going to look sort of pixelated anyway. And if you're not going to print at large scale, then why convert it at all? It's an interesting approach, but I can't really see a scenario where this conversion would be useful...

[@CharleyPangus]

That’s the nature of converting any raster image to vector… this method at least gives you better results than image trace. When printed, it will be hard to tell.

[@thejagman22]

@@CharleyPangus No, not ANY raster image - if you have a relatively simple logo or line drawing, with flat colours, image trace actually does a pretty good job at converting it into vector with the right settings, and this is what it's intended for, not photographic or super complex images like your example. I can't work out why it's necessary to convert a raster image such as the one in your example to vector when it could be printed "as-is", a raster/bitmap. What's a possible application? I've tried the technique and to me, the outcome basically looks like a raster image, but now it's made of vectors and so my question remains - why?

[@krayne2084]

The only use case I can think of is that 3D modelling software likes vector images more than other images for converting into 3D solids

[@thedesignergamer]

Cool. This method might work for images that were made with separate layers for each color. What about flattened images?

[@CharleyPangus]

Yes, absolutely

[@thedesignergamer]

@@CharleyPangus But probably not as smoothly as if you have separate layers.

[@zeyele]

If you made paths in Ph, don't you already have a vector? Is it needed to import it in illustrator?

[@CharleyPangus]

You still have to import into Illustrator to save a proper SVG file. For example, my new xTools software required a SVG file. I also noticed when not imported into illustrator my lines still looked a little blurry in photoshop. I’ll have to test this more but that’s my initial findings.

[@zeyele]

@@CharleyPangus thx

[@stevengarrison1019]

Can this work for example If I was making images from Ideogram then turning them into vector like this?

[@CharleyPangus]

I would have to see an example but I’m sure it can work as long as your layers are separated in Photoshop.

[@stevengarrison1019]

@@CharleyPangus Im trying like a snake wrapped around a skull for a tshirt design im trying to put together

[@stevengarrison1019]

@@CharleyPangus Because the way Im doing it right now is just taken it into photoshop & taking the white background out & making it a png then upscaling it.

[@PufonTV]

Wow! Its so easy to work now with complex images! Tnx!

[@MochKholil-cm3mz]

you really did a good tutorial brow, thanks a lot. it works perfectly

[@CharleyPangus]

😀👏

[@dannyabraham7604]

I saved mine as EPS and it does not open inillustrator. I then tried exporting paths to illustrator and it doesnt have the colour when i open the file... does anyone have a solution... there was a skip in the video after you saved the EPS file and i feel like i have missed something. Any help is appreciated!

[@The_Curse]

Yet again- Charlie proving he is dope AF

[@CharleyPangus]

Dude this just made my entire day! Seriously thank you for the kind words. 🙏🏼

[@The_Curse]

@@CharleyPangus absolutely dude. I’ve learned a lot of great techniques from you. Keep up the good vids 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@radelk]

how do you separate the colors though?

[@CharleyPangus]

What do you mean? If you have discord, join my community and we can go into detail! Thanks for the support and comment.

[@eross21]

can this be done with affinity photo and affinity designer ?

[@CharleyPangus]

I’m sure it could be achieved with similar results.

[@JCaT52]

I have a raster image that was sent to me that isn’t layered or color separated and image trace is failing at. Idk where to even begin lol. I only have illustrator…

[@CharleyPangus]

Join my discord community and send me the art! Would love to take a look. 🙏🏼discord.gg/DzvC5NAf

[@CrossMyHeart_clothing]

Broooo!! You are the effing man! So many old designs that I wasn’t happy with I may have to resurrect now 🤘🏼

[@CharleyPangus]

Haha thank you! So happy to hear this! 😎❤️

[@CoZTymMerchem]

Thanks, that's a great one! I was wondering if something similar can be done in GIMP. And guess what? It's doable! Thanks again for this video.

[@CharleyPangus]

Hey thank you for watching! It would be fun to try to use GIMP to design a T-shirt haha. Maybe soon. Really cool to know this method can work in GIMP too.

[@CoZTymMerchem]

@@CharleyPangus GIMP is like a car from 90s. You can still drive it, but it's missing a lot of stuff ;)

[@BrushBash]

Hello, how to select different color on raster image and group it by color? this first step on this methode right?

[@Jjvv556]

Any tips on my work path dont come out as krispy? Or is that the bet it does?

[@karimelbozidi8289]

Thank you, I still learn from you every time. 💪💪💪

[@CharleyPangus]

😊🙏🏼

[@niarodriguez6494]

does this only work for images? i had a halftone image with plain type and it fucked up the appearance of the type... looks like it was vectorized in illustrator but worse lol

[@roiblack8587]

Wow. This is a neat tipp. Thank you so much.

[@CharleyPangus]

Anytime thanks for watching

[@brandinojam24]

The image trace sample of the wolf image has the best texture. I believed it was the raster image from photoshop.

[@MaxWeir]

What if you don’t have your layers separated and Photoshop and just have a flat image?

[@CharleyPangus]

This method works best when you have layers or 1 color.

[@yusa4467]

why my work path doesnt come out good. it is not like my drawing. is it because my drawing is to small? its 25x25 on 300ppi.

[@entropyfun]

Maybe a noob question, but how do you separate colors into different layers/folders? Let's say I want to do this with a photo.

[@uno8084]

PLEASEEEE...ive been trying to image trace a logo ive made but its on a transparent background and all turns white once ive imaged traced. please help if anyone knows a work around.

[@mikeymumble8196]

This is game changing!

[@CharleyPangus]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@main_channel-ik2pt]

but how did you separate the layers?

[@CharleyPangus]

I made a video about it about 3 videos ago. You will see it on my recent uploads 🙏🏼

[@nanoraygamingmanagement8896]

cmd and alt for mac and for window pc what should we do?

[@CharleyPangus]

Idk lol

[@victorff111]

how did u import into illustrator?? U didn't show it

[@Md.ArifulKazi]

How to separate the colors??

[@caleighwears]

Super sick as always! Just signed up for skill share as well!

[@CharleyPangus]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tiffanyw3794]

So why do we illustrator when we can export as a svg from photoshop?

[@CharleyPangus]

It’s not the same. I’ve tested this and the files are almost a “fake vector” not a true vector.

[@tiffanyw3794]

@@CharleyPangus when upload my files to cricut design space I don’t get errors. How can you tell if it’s not a true vector. Also if I upload tp illustrator it has nodes

[@Designollo]

This is Game changer! Thanks man!

[@CharleyPangus]

I got you 😎

[@LeviJonMeyer]

Game changer for screen printing😮‍💨

[@CharleyPangus]

It’s so good!

[@Maya-wo4mk]

omg this is amazing!! damn thanks so much

[@ladydia3928]

Fantastic work-around!

[@CharleyPangus]

Right! Thanks for watching.

[@Zentron]

This'd look really good as the main graphic of a beer bottle label!

[@CharleyPangus]

Never thought of that!

[@tsewangdorjee2003]

Good learning. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 🙏👍

[@sikapinoytv6106]

HOW YOU SEPARATE COLORS?

[@CharleyPangus]

I have other videos on my channel that go over this method 👍🏼

[@amypangus9941]

Great tutorial!! 🙌🏻🔥

[@CharleyPangus]

❤️

[@loathingboi]

Really helpful, thank you!

[@CharleyPangus]

Of course thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@mtyler3047]

Thank you so much for this!

[@djvertical]

That’s super dope. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@CharleyPangus]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@hellboundjperry]

it doesn't give me an option to save as an eps.

[@CharleyPangus]

That’s strange! I would slow down the video and re-watch

[@hellboundjperry]

@@CharleyPangus i figured out the problem! Thanks for the response man! Love your videos!

[@schravin]

Yoo!! Mind blown had no idea this was a thing 🤝 👏

[@CharleyPangus]

😎

[@tygaman1110]

so why doesn't image trace use a similar or even the same workflow?

[@CharleyPangus]

Lacks control and detail. Just not great for this type of workflow shown in my video.

[@dormaettu302]

this is great thanks a lot

[@CharleyPangus]

Thank you glad it helped!

[@rehmansoofi]

Great video sir

[@CharleyPangus]

🙏

[@Omerorange1-y3j]

Subscribed done. thanks for sharing

[@CharleyPangus]

Hey! Welcome aboard!

[@Liquixe]

Cool method, but separating the colors from a raster image is an entire process on its own.

[@CharleyPangus]

Yup! I have a video on that. 🙏🏼

[@danukool]

Not if you have your own designs and label them

[@SupremeStreamsTV]

@@CharleyPangus where is it?

[@jeffgearhart1754]

If I merge the layers, I lose the ability to color change

[@CharleyPangus]

You wouldn’t want to merch them unless you’re separating colors.

[@mashukkhan9033]

I love this.

[@CharleyPangus]

Thank you

[@Frostify]

KILLER VIDEO BROTHER

[@CharleyPangus]

Thank you 😊

[@CharleyPangus]

Congrats on your recent videos too! I saw one took off! Well deserved. 🙏🏼

[@JSXVGE]

Your I.D photos are in there but barely visible

[@CharleyPangus]

Never noticed this

[@makaaymv]

but still this method just for limited images as for several seps colors, its still just not for all images

[@unmutual666]

Awesome

[@tonmoy_graphics]

Thank you so much, bro If possible can you please make a video about how we can find clients and make a consistent income? I'm working on Fiverr but it's not so consistent. If you can help that will be a game changer for people like me. Thanks again, and I wish you the very best.👍

[@CharleyPangus]

I touched on this topic a few times but I definitely think it’s something I can touch on again soon.

[@CharleyPangus]

Main thing is networking. Cold outreach. Consistency.

[@tonmoy_graphics]

@@CharleyPangus Thanks can you please give me some clues on how can I reach and build networking?

[@lastlight05]

How about starting with creating the color seps. That's the most important part.

[@CharleyPangus]

I’ve made about 10-20 videos on color separation. If you watched my videos you would of knew that lol

[@Heapsgoodmerch]

Vector Ai will change your life. Literally 2 clicks and it’s 99.9% perfect

[@CharleyPangus]

I’ve used vector AI before and it’s definitely not 99.9% perfect. It also doesn’t color separate your layers for you lol

[@ikku4321]

You don't even need to draw the wolf soon, yepiiiii.

[@ChizzyNdukweN]

The issue with this method is when you encounter images with more than 3,4,5 colours in them. It gets tasking fast

[@CharleyPangus]

It’s worth it though for quality results. Nothing great can always be easy.

[@ibidesign]

Aw, YT's algorithm tricked me! I was so excited to see this pop up. Then soon realized you begin the key tasks in Photoshop, not Adobe Illustrator. Sadness...

[@CharleyPangus]

Ok? 👍🏼 Don’t watch lol. Plenty of other viewers loved the video. 😎

[@JimNichols]

Now the preface of this assumes I know how to break a .jpeg into composite color layers ..... lol.

[@CharleyPangus]

Check my last 2-3 videos. I do full layer separation breakdown. 👍🏼

[@juice3434]

*in Gordon ramsey* finally, some good f%#£king food

[@CharleyPangus]

Haha yes!! I love me some Hell’s Kitchen.

[@TheJack2459]

sponsors on your 5 minute video my goodness. If you see a bridge...

[@juanpaoloescopete]

You look like that russian heavy weight boxing champ

[@CharleyPangus]

I have no idea lol

[@ardentlions6636]

If image trace is not your thing then use the damn pen tool and stop being lazy. People want stellar results but don’t want to put in the time and effort.

[@IzakNiemann]

Not well enough explained.

[@CharleyPangus]

@@IzakNiemann your opinion. lol

[@IzakNiemann]

@@CharleyPangus My opinion matters. Not well enough explained. Period.

[@random7422]

Boring

[@CharleyPangus]

Yet you clicked and commented. Get a life lol