Where Have You Been All This Time?
January 11th, 2008 @ 9:29 am by Mrs. Flamingo
As a graphic designer, at times I must use low resolution images and transform them into vector graphics. It’s frustrating because I had to manually retrace all the elements… and it was extremely time consuming. But a while back I came across a great find - Vector Magic is an online site which converts bitmap images to vector images. Basically it’s an online auto-tracer. Where have you been all this time!
Images Source: Fashion is for me blog
It’s very easy to use, and anyone can do it. All you have to do is upload your raster image (an image with pixels), and they will convert it to a vector image (an image made of smooth shapes and curves).
This is very useful if you use programs like Adobe Illustrator to create patterns, logos, monograms and textures. The possibilities are endless. Once you have your vector image, you can re-size it and change the colors. They basically break the image up so that it looks like an illustration rather than a photo.
Images Source: Eighthst blog
Isn’t this awesome??? Hopefully I’m not the only one who thinks so. Thanks to Jessica from How About Orange for the great find!
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18 Responses to “Where Have You Been All This Time?”
Um, I think that is AMAZING. And I am so going to it!
Great tool, but did you know Illustrator now has this feature? I think they have had it since CS2, so if you are running an older version, this info isn’t so helpful. It’s called live trace, and has lots of options so you can configure your trace to be exactly what you want (number of tones, level of detail, etc). Its fantastic!
Thanks Lauren… for the tip. Could you believe that I didnt even know that! Wow! Bad Designer Miss Flamingo, Bad Designer!!! 
But at least theres this tool for those who dont have illustrator!
This is a great find, Miss Flamingo. I HATE tracing with a mouse… so psyched to try this out!
yes! illustrator cs2 rocks with the live trace feature. no more streamlining for me!
I’m in CS3 and I use it all the times for tracing sketches and images if we need them. I love that you can manually control all the “dials” so you can achieve just what you need!
Any tips on using this site? I just tried it with a logo I have, and it ends up looking like a big mess!
What image are you using? You have the option to have a better rendering (more details) you have to verify all the settings.
I wish i could help you out more.
Ooh so THAT’S why vectors are so special!! I admit I was a bit clueless as to what they were exactly and not willing to look into it (just convinced that I needed them for my invites!) Thanks Miss F!
Yup, live trace via Illustrator! Though I will def. try the site as well, since on the site they show slight differences between results. What a great resource for those without the Adobe programs, though! =)
Oooh thank you so much for sharing Miss Flamingo! This will definitely come in handy! Love it.
OH Kel — I wish you would have told me this. I could have showed you MANY MANY waisted hours ago!! You rock sista!! 
Life will be much easier for you now that you have this program. GOOD LUCK!!
Wow! I thought your VectorMagic was cool, and then I read the comments about Live Trace in AI!! Even cooler; I am sooooooo excited! (I just got CS3, and I am so dangerous - I know enough to do stuff, but the total wrong and hard way…)
Would anyone else be interested in a Bee forum in the boards to post AI/PS tips, tricks and how to’s in? I’ve learned a lot of stuff from reading various posts, but I’d love to see it all in one place…
[...] very cool. After scanning it in, I used the “Live Trace” function in Adobe Illustrator (Thanks Flamingo!), and placed the vectorized result in my photoshop [...]
Mrs. Flamingo, Montreal, Canada
Age and Occupation: 25, Graphic Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Nursing Student
Engagement Date: December 2004
Wedding Date: June 21, 2008
Venue: Imperia Hotel (modern chic hotel)
About Me: I am a passionate designer who loves anything pretty. I heart all paper products (eco-friendly of course). My passion revolves around anything considered glamour; vintage and modern. In my free time, I love reading Martha mags, designing jewelry and making a pit-stop at Starbucks for a chai latte. I'm also a chocoholic at heart and my family drools over my homemade truffles.
Oooooh! Handy tool, Miss F! Thanks!