How To Vectorize a PNG Logo with Inkscape

If the only copies you have for your logo are rasterized formats like PNG and JPG, then you won't be able to reap the benefits of having a vector SVG file, like infinite scaling and being able to edit your logo in the future. In that case, you'll need to generate a vector copy of your logo using vector design software, and that's what I'll be demonstrating in this video.
In this tutorial I'll be demonstrating 2 different ways to convert PNG logos to SVG files using Inkscape. Both of these methods are ideal for beginners and first-time users of Inkscape.
Video breakdown...
00:00 Intro
00:57 Document setup
01:19 Import your logo
02:48 Auto tracing method
05:36 Manual tracing method
Want to learn more about how Inkscape works? Check out the Inkscape Master Class - a comprehensive series of over 50 videos where I go over every tool, feature and function in Inkscape and explain what it is, how it works, and why it's useful: logosbynick.com/inkscape/
Intro song: "In Da Mood" by Combustibles, used with written permission

[@Ceares]

Thanks so much! You saved me weeks of frustration trying to learn inkscape for one logo. As a freehand artist who finds the whole "drawing with shapes" thing headache inducing it's a relief to know I can just draw the dang logo and convert it.

[@RalphMayhewPhotography]

This was incredible man! You taught me from nothing to doing it for my design work in literally 10 minutes. So thank full!

[@sheaulle]

Big time saver: Instead of using the dropper tool multiple times to select the same color, you can first copy a shape with the fill and stroke style/colors you want. After that, you can paste these colors to other shapes by selecting them and Ctrl + Shift + V (Edit - Paste Style). I use this all the time. Video is great as always.

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

If you need more than one thing to be the same color, you can just [Shift] click with the object select tool to add to the selection, and just use the eyedropper once to pick the color You can also change and tweak colors on multiple objects at the same time with them all selected. If you are making multiple pieces of art but with a common color theme, and really any repeating anything, I make a template, with color swatches, grid layout, any common shapes... and just open the template and "Save as" dish, cup, saucer, bowl... and there you go all ready for faster production. I'm sneaky like that!

[@miirami5761]

This is incredible! I love how you just drop important things like which keys to use so we don't have to look up all those small things. That's attention to detail. Can't believe this is free!

[@qwertyproductions4109]

I've been searching for this video for over a month and now its here!! Thanks a lot Nick

[@HATL201]

Thank you so much for this amazing channel. I'm learning Inkscape since I can't afford Illustrator, and I was curious if I won't be learning the optimal thing. But after I watched your beautiful comparison video and saw some of your work, I'm so determined to follow your tutorials. Thank you for these "gems" that you're providing to Inkscape users out there.

[@houstonmalakai2889]

Sorry to be off topic but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost my login password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@raphaelzion1366]

@Houston Malakai instablaster =)

[@houstonmalakai2889]

@Raphael Zion I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@houstonmalakai2889]

@Raphael Zion It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account :D

[@raphaelzion1366]

@Houston Malakai Happy to help :D

[@camillecirrus3977]

Not only did i learn that i can vectorize GIMP images, but also got a headstart on how to use Inkscape itself. Amazing video, as always.

[@nuke4duke167]

Your content has been useful for the development of my skills in both GIMP and Inkscape, I thank you for all of these well edited and concise guides.

[@foliomagi555]

Nick my dude you are saving my life. I've been in somewhat dire financial straits for the past year, but your tutorials have enabled me to earn a little bit more money than I otherwise would have. Thanks for freely giving out so much information

[@africanobsession]

Just what I needed to add hand lettered elements to my logo designs! Thank you so much Nick!

[@aelfric5578]

Even with years of experience, I always learn at least one new thing from your videos. I've used trace bitmap many times, but I never realized inkscape has a bucket fill tool - to think of all the time I've wasted tracing something, breaking it apart to make a small change, and then doing a bunch of boolean differences to put the parts I wanted to keep transparent back together.

[@BongoBaggins]

This is one of the first things (and also one of the few things) I worked out how to do myself. Inkscape is a wonderful piece of software.

[@qwertyproductions4109]

Hey Nick! I am a self-taught freelance graphic designer and your videos are very helpful in my work. You are an inspiration for many people out there wanting to start graphic designing, for free but don't know how to. Inkscape is free to use and your tutorials are the best and your thumbnails are attractive. I would love if you make a video on how to design epic thumbnails like yours that grab attention. Thank you.

[@mssexystrawberriberri8057]

I think I'm in LOVE!! :) Thank you so much!! I have been trying to learn how to do this for months and you taught me in 10 minutes!! I will be looking at all of your videos!!

[@LPharrao]

Wow! This tutorial was so in depth - I've just redesigned my whole new logo and feeling like from zero to hero! Thanks for this great tutorial!

[@babelvideo]

Hey Nick, I've been doing exactly this all day and I still learned something from this video. Thanks a lot, keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@SILLYHILLBILLY43]

Literally same. He's the best!

[@lostandthrown3137]

😺

[@jesse6327]

Just fantastic tutorial as always Nick. Your tutorials on your site are superb!

[@LeoRivero]

Amazing tutorial !! Keep sharing this useful content is great for the design community !! Really easy to understand!!

[@abranddonut5759]

I am doing an image and had a rasterized png before, so I exactly needed this video. 😄 Thanks, nick!

[@thiagoabreuon]

You are working a lot on your channel, Nick. That's great! More videos about Inkscape and GIMP helps many people, including me hahaha Hope you're fine. Keeping learning with you! Thank you!

[@poppy4810]

Such a big help! Both concise and precise, it's a rare gift! Thanks!

[@theLT56]

this was super helpful!! i just vectored a few of my images i’ll be using for merchandise. i’m excited to learn more! thank you for doing this tutorial. 💛

[@biankanagy2235]

Thank you so much! I'm gonna study Mediadesign next year and I'm currently working on my portfolio. I started using Inkscape a few days ago and I thought I'd never get the hand of it. I only watched a few of your videos but I was finally able to make my own logo that I think looks cool. A week ago I've thought I won't be able to do that in the near future. Thank you for every single video!!! You have no idea how grateful I am

[@Bean86]

perfect timing - I'll need to do just that. Thanks for all your work!

[@qissthee]

Thank you so much for this, Nick. I really needed this for Blender. Appreciate it! Keep making these videos!

[@chipsoutre]

Whew! What a great tutorial! That video was every minute worth watching it - I learnt so much! Thanks Nick

[@pmdinaz]

I knew what a vector file was when I had to submit plans for my addition on the house. I had no idea what it took to create them. Now I find myself needing svg files. I have many personal images I want to transfer via engraving. I'm pretty sure you just solved my conundrum! Thank you, so much!

[@lai1948]

This is the most simple explanation that I can understand… teaching is a skill🙏 thank you man.

[@elementgypsy]

Thanks. I shyed away from learning to digitise for embroidery. After years with old sewing machines I bought my first new sewing maching with embroidery over a year ago. I played around with inkscape for the past year. So glad I found it. If I don't use a new software often, I forget what I learned , so it is slow going and I hired graphic artists to digitise my ideas. Now I am more motivated as I made a few simple things with the inkstitch extension! The only way I have to learn is by the internet as I don't know anyone who knows how to do it. Great info and you explain well with a good voice and intelligence!

[@14Furioso]

Thank you so much for this video. You were clear and covered the "what if" questions really well. So good.

[@onestepunlock4475]

Thank you so very much!!! The most helpful, down to the point explanation with no water. Please keep doing this, you are amazing!!!

[@vickiwilcox133]

This is an excellent tutorial. I am a beginner to this program and needed to know how to manually copy non-vector files. Where have these “training wheels” been all my life? B-spline is a game changer! 😀 Thank you!

[@allen_graphics]

Since then til now I'm a huge fan of you and inkscspe more power for years to come ❤

[@ideepakmathur]

I watched and learned about working with Inkscape and GIMP through your insightful, nicely defined videos. Thanks a bunch

[@mrmshifan]

Another awesome tutorial. Thank you Nick.

[@ONEMusic801]

Thanks so much Nick, your videos are so informative and easy to follow.

[@paulkepshire5056]

Quality content, great pacing, and another very helpful tutorial. Thanks Nick!

[@gamontbr]

GREAT VOICE.

[@LogosByNick]

Thank you Paul

[@rbailey5318]

Nick your videos are awesome extremely informational an easy-to-follow thank you so much for posting and I've also just enrolled in all four courses I can't wait to start even more

[@isara6653]

Thank you for the thorough and clear instructions! You are a Lifesaver 🙏

[@jesuschristiscomingrepentb3224]

PERFECT! Thanks for the tutorial! This helps a lot!

[@eternalgamer786]

Hi Nick, I just want to say thank you so much for making these videos. I have learned a lot keep it up man you the best.

[@synesthetica]

Thanks a lot! After playing around with the settings I got a perfectly smooth vector.

[@kavereon]

Amazing tutorial Nick. This helped a complete noob like me make a cool svg in minutes! Thank you

[@shoe7393]

Thank you so much for this simple tutorial

[@musicwithcode1322]

Very thorough and answered so many questions of mine. Thank you!!

[@jeremysart]

You just saved me hours if not days of learning a new program and skillset. I am designing a medal and belt buckle for a marathon and needed to vectorize my artwork for the engraver. Thank you.

[@spiritofgivings]

NEW SUB HERE!! Gosh...been looking for this EXACT display of how to vector, SIMPLY!! Now I can start getting my stickers made! Thanks a million!

[@kavindushehan9892]

Wow it's work .I don't have words to thank you.

[@M4rkle]

A really well paced and explained tutorial - thank you.

[@davidfogas]

Thanks! First method worked so well even on a not too high res jpg with a lot of details, great video!

[@breakingcryptonews4211]

Great tutorial Nick...thank you

[@tabban21]

Fantastic video, exactly what I needed. Subscribed and saved to favourites

[@FingleAnimes]

THANKS! You saved my life!!!

[@chrsn]

Excellent lesson on tracing bitmaps!

[@ab_customz_llc]

Thank you very much, I've subbed and I signed up for your Inkscape class. Looking forward to learning this incredible software.

[@andresmg]

Hey Nick, I've been a fan of your channel for a while and I absolutely love your tutorials. Do you think you could upload a tutorial on data-merging? Keep up the good work!

[@crazycatzgarage2611]

Brilliant tutorial and very helpful. Saved me loads of time converting a logo I created in Photoshop to vector format in Inkscape!!!!

[@thegr8life]

Wow man! I can't believe how freaking easy that was. Thanks, Awesome video

[@exiles_dot_tv]

Finally a good Inkscape tutorial! Thanks so much

[@greenicon7745]

Thank you for the video! Very very helpful!

[@Insomnyia]

Really great! I watched another tutorial already but was still lost. This helped a lot!

[@staceyacosta3359]

total noob here. even had to dl Inkscape. with your tutorial i was able to create exactly what i needed. THANKS!

[@ashleycawley9800]

You're amazing. Thank you so much for this!

[@viljakristina2583]

Sooo helpful, thank you so much!!

[@johannes914]

As always. Great tutorials.

[@PassionBrains]

Amazing help. Thanks!

[@Felsworn5121]

Awesome video! Thanks for this!

[@fredwest908]

Excellent. Thank you. Just what I needed!!!

[@Imayra]

Phenomenal tutorial, I will be buying your course soon!

[@nathalieC250]

Wow, I can't thank you enough for this!

[@felipeduarte1997]

MY MAN!!!! Congrats on you tutorial!! I just downloaded the program like 5 min ago and already got to do what I wanted!! Excellent explanation!! Cheers from Brazil!! :D

[@nigelpallatt]

Brilliant just what I need!

[@rachadballout8087]

WOOOOWWWW!!!! Amazing NICK!!!

[@Manuela-zw8qw]

Thank you man for sharing this stuff

[@thiagoguimaraes406]

Another useful video. Thank you as always.

[@HHWS]

Excellent tutorial!

[@ShahzadAli-rq9oo]

Love from bottom of my heart. You saved my days

[@robwoolley2788]

At last, an actual useful tutorial!!! Thank you so much for this, I only wish I'd found it a few days ago! 😂

[@wahidovish]

thank you Nick, we learn a lot from you 😊😊💪💪

[@user-nw6nx1cq6k]

Brilliant tutorial, thank you! Got everything I need

[@wooinvestments2339]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! YES!!!! I'M YELLING THIS!!!

[@mokimoki5303]

best teacher on graphic design

[@russofamerica]

Very informative and clear! Thanks for the upload!

[@Aphamino]

Thank you very much for this!

[@wesleytillman9774]

Thanks for the help. Good stuff.

[@exorc1st995]

thanks thanks thanks !!!! omg needed this so badly !!

[@LiMuBai]

Excellent! Thank you

[@tibbs2434]

Thanks so much man, really helped me!

[@francescocostanzo4252]

This tutorial is amazing and you are really good at teaching !! great job sir !

[@sonerkaragyoz9832]

Thanks! Helpful guide

[@adroehm]

Thank you! So helpful

[@Paramaaanu]

Dude... I love you... Seriously... You saved me💓

[@luiso.6819]

thank you so much Nick!!!

[@1andyholten]

Love your videos, the pace, your tone of voice and detail in explanations. Now I just wish I wasn’t using a beta version on Mac. :)

[@Windrunner007]

I’ve been trying to clean up my larp’s logo for months and i can finally do it myself. Great video.

[@hotttoddii1543]

Great intro vid. Thanks! 👍

[@xandzbanakal]

and you just saved me from my biggest problem.kudos!

[@Reinavera73]

Muchas gracias Nick. Un saludo.

[@copyartwork1658]

Great and easy to understand inkscape video!

[@OOTUS]

In order to fill in the negative transparant space with a white fill color, in stead of using the bucket fill tool and offsetting it like you did at 4:30, you can also select your freshly traced vector, go to "path>break apart" and select the pieces the pieces that need to become white and set their fill colour. I found this method to work a bit faster and easier. Might be a little more confusing since all the different paths have the same fill color after the "break apart", but the x-ray view can help you out if it's a complicated design with lots of undercuts.

[@immersivedesign8963]

I love the new x-ray tool! It makes complex designs so much easier to work with. Thanks for the tip!