Inkscape Trace Bitmap Tutorial: How to Convert Jpeg | PNG | Raster to Vector Image

Inkscape Trace Bitmap Tutorial: How to Convert Jpeg | PNG | Raster to Vector Image
Inkscape step-by-step beginner tutorial on how to create a vector image from a jpeg, PNG, raster image in Inkscape using the Trace Bitmap tool. Follow along in this Inkscape screen capture showing:
1. How to optimize Trace Bitmap Brightness Cutoff for the best results.
2. Demo of the Edge Detection functionality.
3. Autotrace feature.
4. Use multiple scans setting to create a full color vector image.
5. Extract individual color scan layers.
My goal for this channel is to create a community where we can share graphic design skills, tips and shortcuts with a focus on using free or low cost software and tools available to everyone.
REFERENCE:
Download Inkscape here: inkscape.org/r...
Tiger image: www.pexels.com...
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[@donnaleiber6214]

Just discovered your channel and am gladly a new subscriber. This video was informative, useful, and just the right pace. Your explanations are clear and understandable. I loved the side-by-side comparisons. Well done and thank you!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!

[@ginacogge3408]

Sedert 2 maanden volg ik Inkscape ,en toevallig vond ik jou video instructies. Heel verstaanbaar en goed uitgelegd. zo leer ik nog meer bij. Deze vind ik zeer leuk. Bedankt

[@IronEchoDesign]

Hartelijk bedankt!!

[@TeeNMugCrafters6092]

You are a trainer really, many thanks for the explicit demonstration...

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you very much!!

[@dennismason1187]

I just started watching illustration and design content on a few channels, including yours. Incredibly informative, thank you.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you! I'll keep making these especially if they're helpful.

[@markusreichwein2370]

I just started with Inkscape and your channel is really helpful.👍 Thanks a lot from Germany

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you!! Sending appreciation from Boston, Massachusetts. Good luck on your Inkscape journey, and if I can help with any tools or techniques, let me know!

[@tomztomica]

Finally, I found the guide and this tutorial is very helpful for me, thank you very much, may God bless you.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@StormWarningMom]

This is actually super helpful. I was doing the same as you were demonstrating, but with a different picture. On the multi scan bit, I did my pic at 8, and then 10 scans, and they were bad. BUT then I did it with 16 scans, and that was the effect I was looking for. Thank you. :)

[@iabram8993]

Excellent, thank you. Just got Inkscape so this was great to see.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Nice! It's a great piece of software. Thanks, and have fun!

[@TrinketTrickster]

Thank goodness I found your video... just about gone crazy trying to remember how to do this and learnt a few new tricks. Thank you.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!! Glad it could be helpful!

[@pinkcoffee1899]

Found this video super easy to follow and I like that you used a clear voice and not rushing through the tutorial. Thank you

[@insidemyshop]

Very helpful! Long time C/D user and I just started using Inkscape. I'm liking what I see so far with the program.👍

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks so much! It's a great option to add to tools.

[@DncngSpirit1]

I search & search videos for what I want to do & Voila!! Here you are! Love how you go slow with your explanations instead of rushing through & I don't get it!! The pace is perfect for me! I totally enjoyed watching it right through! Thanks for a great tutorial, now maybe I will be able to make my own starting immediately!!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it, and I'm going to keep trying to cover more stuff that I hope helps.

[@DncngSpirit1]

@@IronEchoDesign I learned a lot in just 3 videos & I have started a project. Thank you!

[@eslresources]

Great video! Just what I was looking for. I have subscribed and I am looking forward to your other Inkscape tutorial videos. Thank you so much!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you so much! Let me know if there is a design idea you want to see.

[@eslresources]

@@IronEchoDesign Ok I will definitely do that. Thanks again for the great videos. I am learning a lot.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Anytime!

[@curtiscarlson8958]

Great tutorial. The subject matter and process was well thought out, the explanation was clear and consise. I will be comming back here for help with Inkscape as I need it. Again, very good job.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you very much!!

[@curtiscarlson8958]

@@IronEchoDesign no, thank YOU! 😜

[@ethankobylarz876]

Great videos! Could you explain or possibly make a video showing what you mean when you say “composite with brightness cutoff”, etc? Thanks!

[@lazee60]

thanks, showed me exactly what i needed to learn thumbs up and subscribed

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you so much!!

[@MManel]

Exactly what i was looking for Thank you very much for share ...

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks! Glad to hear. 😀

[@katemccarthy2463]

Great tutorial. I like the fact you go through each step clearly and slowly. Will be looking for more of your tutorials. Thank you

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks so much! About to upload a new one in a few...

[@BrianJohnMusic77]

Thanks, straight to the point, very helpful.

[@karenthompson9579]

Do you have a video that can teach how to trace an image and make cut layers for svg shadow boxes? I’m trying to learn and I’m working on a Spitfire plane as the main object. Looking to do layers and put lights behind it. Your videos are fantastic!!!

[@raytunstallify]

Hi I just found your channel and am very keen to learn thank you for all the information it is great just at my pace.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks so much! I'm trying to make these at a pace that works.

[@zahirnaseem5319]

An excellent video thank you for the upload!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks so much!

[@michaelfrisch5963]

allways very interesting tutorials. thanks a lot

[@nedimhrvic6125]

Thanks much for the nice explanation .

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you!!

[@Rcing101]

Your videos are definitely starting to make me feel like I can do this 😅😅

[@IronEchoDesign]

Nice! You can!!

[@CasinoDagpinOfficial]

Nice tutorial... just know about inkscape love this

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!! Trace Bitmap is fun.

[@masudsart]

AWESOME tut!!!!! Thanks

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!!

[@sherrimilkie8834]

Awesome! Very helpful! Thank you!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Why thank you!! Thank you very much.

[@kimsaarunga989]

You are a good teacher

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks! I give credit to the Inkscape designers like Logos By Nick for showing how everything works when I started.

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

Isolating each color allows you to make multi layer stencils for airbrush. If you have a vinyl cutter or laser, you can cut the layers, then airbrush them according to color.

[@platontotis4336]

Thank you very much!IYou did help me a lot!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!!

[@nancywilson7353]

Thank you your channel helps me out a lot.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks! So glad to hear!

[@ShaddeyNNM]

Wowww, thanks for sharing! New subscriber here

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks! And thanks for subscribing!

[@rodneycarpenter3253]

Great tutorial thank you.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks so much!!

[@davidcochran934]

Great video. Just found your channel. After tracing what would be the next step of cleanup if we want to put it into cnc software for carving in wood?

[@holdthewinds]

I appreciate your videos so much! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you!! Having fun making them!

[@JK-ym1qz]

Thank you for your channel!!!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you!!

[@chandrasankar3289]

informative....thanks Sir..

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!!

[@lastwaygash]

Great explanation, I try to learn

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!

[@kirstenmarie913]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@FloridaEverAfter]

Wow just did a logo vector from an ai generated logo and it came out super clean

[@IronEchoDesign]

Nice! That’s awesome!

[@rajesh844]

Super ♨️💥👏 GBU

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you!!!

[@yanainassar]

Thank you for all your awesome tutorials! You've save me a lot of time. In this video, when you were comparing the results of .43, .35 and .25 Brightness Cutoff you said that would take some of the .25 and some of the .35 and composed them. Do you have a video about that? I've been trying but I spend too much time on it which means I am not doing it right because inkscape is too easy. Thank you!

[@sandrasepulveda727]

Love you Videos. I'm doing a jpeg clip art from Google image. Is clipart good to do in Inkscape??

[@JamilaDanandeh]

Awesome ❤ Thanks ❤ Iran 🇮🇷

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you so much!

[@JamilaDanandeh]

@IronEchoDesign Thanks for reply from Iran 🇮🇷

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks again!

[@RixtronixLAB]

Nice video, thanks :)

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you!!

[@karenthompson9579]

This was wonderful. Do you have a tutorial on how to create cut layers of an image? Say you wanted to take the image of the tiger and create a shadow box svg file. Can you show us how to do this? I would love to learn.

[@LizDelaney3]

HI Rick. Once again, thanks for a great tutorial. I have a question about converting an imported mandala and how to convert it so it shows up on a black background. Where can I send a message to you to explain in more detail??

[@IronEchoDesign]

Hi Liz- happy to help! Do you have Twitter? My info is in the description. They don't let us type emails in these comments, but Inthink my email address is in the contact info in the About section of this channel.

[@anesekosetiawan]

Great

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!!

[@righttoexplain]

Very very nice buddy.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!!

[@Happen2Bme]

Thanks!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you!

[@lostmusichits]

Doesn't do the multi scan...? How to isolate each color? Doesn't work. Why are all the images on the same area? How can I separate them?

[@ochenjonah]

I think we should do a grass hopper that came out so cleannnnnn

[@IronEchoDesign]

Agreed. Thanks.

[@patrickmclaughlin6013]

I think there are limits on the image size that the tracing can work with. Might not just be the hardware. The tracing, imho, works very well.

[@IronEchoDesign]

I think you're right. There must be a limit.

[@ismailterhzaze]

Thank you 👍

[@alaskahomesteading]

sensei, I'm not sure where to ask this question... But this video is sorta kinda close... I have been using trace bitmap to scan and save images (classic paintings from rawpixel) to SVG.. This seems to work fine. But when I try and scan old photo's of mine that were scanned small for email purposes... I don't get a realistic live preview unless I use autotrace... And auto trace ALWAYS crashes.. Am I over thinking this? Can/should I just increase the DPI of the original image and export it that way? It seems to work, as long as the image is still in my laptop, but unsure of the results if it where ever printed out in a large format..... Thanks for the help and I'm buyin a cap on payday....

[@IronEchoDesign]

Great question- thanks! Autotrace crashes for me all the time too. So much so, that I usually avoid it. Here are some tips that might help with getting a good result from Trace Bitmap. It comes down to experimenting because every source image is different, but the best approach I think is to get the best quality original image without going above 12MB. Starting with a crisp image at 5-8 MB usually works well with less crashing issues, especially if the source is an illustration. For old photos, would it be possible to resize before bringing in to Inkscape? Try to get the DPI to 300 or at least enhance the contrast. This will help improve the output. The preview box isn't always reliable. Sometimes you have to hit apply and hope you don't crash. Finally with the options of Speckles, Smooth corners and Optimize selected, bring all the sliders closer to the left. Around 2 for speckles, less than .10 for Smooth Corners, and Optimize around .20. Hope this helps!

[@sharminoanali6647]

So when I use regular bezier tool and using left click try to make curves, i find it difficult to make my next curve as it forces me to curve in the opposite direction. So say I make a curve towards the left hand side by drawing a line and then using left click, to make the next curve on the same side there is simply no option as it doesn't curve on the left hand side no matter what i do, moreover it suggests to curve towards the right hand side. It is super frustrating and making is impossible it to trace anything.

[@IronEchoDesign]

I hear you! Bezier Pen tool is tricky and has been very frustrating for many, many people. Are you on "Create Spiro Path" mode by chance? That forces the curve as you describe. I made a Bezier Pen specific tutorial on the channel that may help. Let me know if it provides any solution for you.

[@sharminoanali6647]

@@IronEchoDesign hey, thanks for replying. My create spiro path isnt on, i checked. I don't know what setting could be making the regular bezier tool act so bizarre. Is there any way I could show you the screen shot of what is happening ?

[@IronEchoDesign]

For sure. If you can, send me a screenshot and let's see if we can figure it out. If you can DM me on Twitter, my handle is @rickjohanson. Or I think KZbin has my email on the About Tab of the channel if thats easier.

[@waqarmustafa6248]

Can you explain each function in trace bitmap like spackle and optimize function

[@IronEchoDesign]

I should have gone into that detail. The smooth and speckle, I can see the adjustments using the new slider, but the optimize... I can't see a difference when I change the settings. I'm guessing it optimizes the number of nodes used?? If I learn the true details I'll mention in a future tutorial.

[@alaskahomesteading]

I've just started having fun with altering images using this tutorial... I can change colors and get some cool effects, but what is the best way to reassemble the image?... I changed my arrow keys to 1px, and so far that works after I get the layer roughly where I want it... Is that the best way?... I tried align and distribute, but it didn't work as well as I thought it would... Maybe another tutorial??

[@IronEchoDesign]

Great question. You could try enabling snapping. Depending on the image, it can help lock the pieces into place. Sometimes it clicks into the wrong node though.

[@alaskahomesteading]

I guess I never considered giving that a try... I usually turn off snapping because it likes to snap a where I don't want it!.. Thanks for the tip!!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Totally agree about snapping. I usually have it off for that exact reason.

[@samehamer.]

شكرا جزيلا

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thank you! 🙏

[@user-tc5pl3zw3h]

OK, I tried this with a PNG of a T shirt with a bold black outline, white fill, and black text. I only got the outline and the text, but not the white fill inside the shirt.

[@perrypollino456]

I have a logo. Apparently it has Square borders. When I place it in my circular logo It cuts off my logo strokes. What am I missing? How can I make the logo borders a circle? Thanks

[@rioalexander9828]

Thank you very much 👍

[@IronEchoDesign]

Thanks!! Hope it may help.

[@Gumboot-Cowboy]

Having done that to create a vector file, how do I save it?

[@21reasonsbtc]

how can you save it as vector file on the computer in order to use it then in photoshop?

[@IronEchoDesign]

Great question. You can click File-Save As to save your Inkscape project to your computer as an Inkscape svg file or plain svg file. I believe Photoshop now has an option to open SVGs, but I have an older version that does not. When I want to take something I'm working on in Inkscape over to Photoshop, I use File- Export PNG. Hope this helps.

[@MAC-ws8fz]

Is there a way to assign color to Layers? As in Illustrator and Auto Cad?

[@IronEchoDesign]

Just responded to your comment on the other video too. I'm not sure of the answer. Anybody reading this know if assigning colors to layers is possible? I know you can make a layer affect other layers by assigning "multiply, screen etc.." and that allows for some cool functionality, but I don't think that's what you're asking.

[@yacinemenai1996]

good job

[@joanneobright5407]

Hello. I am getting into rastor image processor (RIP) software, is it possible to do such with Inkscape? And also wondering about making a full coloured image black and how to make the black image smaller for printing over the coloured image?

[@IronEchoDesign]

Hi Joanne- Sorry for the delay. May I ask if you're looking to print on garments or vinyl? Trace Bitmap can make a vector graphic that you can scale to any size and put on top of the coloured image. I have a 2nd Trace Bitmap tutorial on this channel (astronaut on thumbnail) that may help go into more depth. Let me know if this helps at all. Thanks!

[@joanneobright5407]

@@IronEchoDesign yes it is for garments. I will check that out. Thank you for the reply

[@IronEchoDesign]

If a challenge comes up in Inkscape, let me know if I can help. Most POD and DTG printing can use a PNG file from Inkscape and have great results. I think RIP is for screenprinting. This was a very acronym heavy note. TTYL

[@joanneobright5407]

@@IronEchoDesign most are using it for white toner printing.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Interesting. Very cool.

[@lostmusichits]

How do you get rid of all the extra crap? The other images etc.? I can't even select them.

[@chodeshadar18]

How does this stack up against Adobe Illustrator's trace feature?

[@IronEchoDesign]

Great question. Illustrator is the professional standard. Inkscape Trace Bitmap is a worthy alternative in my opinion with great functionality. Plus, its free.

[@chodeshadar18]

@@IronEchoDesign thanks. They both take a lot of studying and tweaking but the potential is incredible!

[@IronEchoDesign]

Agreed!

[@HelmetVanga]

I have this png file, I followed the steps, went to Path, bitmap tracer, and Apply (OK) but mine does not do anything. It is a png file black and white.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Can you check to see if the source image is selected and showing a preview in the Trace Bitmap preview window?

[@HelmetVanga]

@@IronEchoDesign thanks for reply. It does not show up in preview. I can open or import into most any software; Inkscape, Sketch pro, MS 3D Paint, Coral Painter, etc. .tif files and .eps seem to be more accommodating. Again thanks

[@cudi4179]

Try clicking on the image u want to change

[@stevehansen1701]

Could you please do a tutorial of how to do these techniques as on this KZbin video - Virtual Tuning Gimp Cartoon Car. (It’s entirely too fast to learn anything) I realize this is done using gimp, but can it be done with Inkscape? I have asked multiple times on many different channels and no one will respond. Thank you. 👍

[@IronEchoDesign]

Good question. Let me look up that video right now. I love trying to figure out new tricks on Inkscape.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Just watched that Gimp cartoon car video. You're right- that was fast. Very cool effect. There are some inkscape features that will allow deformation and changing perspective like that. I'll play around with it and see if I can replicate their work. Any car in particular you'd want? I can't guarantee I will succeed, but if I do, I'll post the tutorial video for it.

[@stevehansen1701]

@@IronEchoDesign Thanks for your reply. Any car will be good. I tried to slow the previously mentioned video but still couldnt figure out the steps to do correctly. Thanks again.

[@christinabarnes1105]

Plus it would be better if you had you inkscape not in black. Cause it is hard to see the writing on the screen. Since I am new

[@IronEchoDesign]

That makes sense. Thanks for sharing, and I'll try to make the writing easier to read in future videos. Thanks!

[@christinabarnes1105]

Can u explain about the mega bits to me please

[@IronEchoDesign]

Certainly! What I am referring to is the file size of the source image. If the image is 10MB (megabytes) or larger, the Trace Bitmap function requires so much computing power that it sometimes crashes my machine. Does that help? Let me know if you'd like more detail.

[@donwires5793]

Ok I've tried three times and my photo looks like sh*t. First i saved the photo then removed the background. When I trace bit map the back ground pops back up! Then when i save the bitmap the image is nothing like yours. Mine looks like a black and white photo taken from the moon. There are no gradients of shades. What am I missing? Can I up load the image I produced so you can critique?

[@IronEchoDesign]

Let's see if we can fix this. Can you email me the image? Or DM me on Twitter the image? My contact info is on the About tab on my channel.

[@donwires5793]

I think I may have figured out the problem with one thing the first image I used was under a megabyte. I’ll upload or download it don’t know which an image that was 3 MB and it looks much better. I’m still having one problem I am unable to remove the background can you help me with that

[@donwires5793]

I do not know how to send a private message with KZbin and when I clicked on the link you suggested it only gave me the option to share. Please tell me another way to send you a private message so I don’t bother everybody with this conversation

[@IronEchoDesign]

No problem. I'd type my email here, but I think KZbin removes comments with links. My email is listed on the About tab of my channel. If you click the show email box it it will display. Happy to help.

[@donwires5793]

ok im going crazy trying to send you an email. ive tried three times but the hotmail account on the youtube keeps sending it back. im trying to screenshot my iphone the results but no go. Im not able to respond to you with my phone which has photos to show you my problem. how can i get the info to you?

[@IronEchoDesign]

Here is my email. Hopefully this comment will be allowed. johanson _ rick @ hotmail . com.

[@donwires5793]

@@IronEchoDesign I put a period between your last and first names I’m going to try the_

[@IronEchoDesign]

Yes, it's the underscore symbol between my last name and first.

[@mariewood8267]

you didn't show how to import the photo

[@IronEchoDesign]

Sorry. Drag it onto the workspace. Open the file folder on your desktop that contains the photo you want to use. Click and drag it into Inkscape.

[@mariewood8267]

@@IronEchoDesign thank you! I'm a MAC girl, so a bit of a learning curve

[@IronEchoDesign]

Anytime!

[@thainekarnes8104]

Inkscape is OK for a beginner. but most folks work is crap. Just my 2 cents.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Haha! Thanks and I hope I can help people improve their work.

[@louiscypher7090]

You're going way too fast. For beginners anyway.

[@IronEchoDesign]

Okay, I'll try to slow down in future videos. I have a couple other Trace Bitmap videos on this channel that might be a better speed if it helps.

[@louiscypher7090]

@@IronEchoDesign thanks. I'll check them out.

[@jayhughes6620]

Is there a way to create an outline without the detail in the picture or clip art just a simple outline? Thank you

[@IronEchoDesign]

Great question! I wish there was an easy filter that did that, and if anyone knows of one, please chime in. Trace Bitmap does have an Edge Detection setting, but it doesn't really produce exactly what you're describing. You could manually trace over the outline with the Bezier Pen tool and then choose Path- Simplify. You can actually keep repeating Simplify until it has the look you want. Takes a lot of clicking around and not really the answer to your question, I know.