Using the online vector converter, you can perform 2 different operations:

  • Convert raster to a vector image, eg, convert JPG to AI, PNG to AI(using the utility). At the output you will get a black and white image. If you need to get a color vector image, you can use our autotrace tool with fine conversion settings.
  • Convert the vector to vector format, eg, convert SVG to AI, AI to SVG, PDF to AI(using the UniConvertor).

About free vector converter

Vector graphics give designers and artists with tremendous opportunities, but the presence of many proprietary formats of various graphic editors creates serious difficulties in exchanging files.

It can be a real problem for you to translate, for example, SVG to AI or EPS to AI to be able to work in a familiar format. Another option is possible when you are asked to submit a work in a format that you cannot export your graphics editor, for example, you may need to convert the AI ​​to SVG. But with our service this is not a problem and we offer you an online converter that can convert vector graphics of the following formats:

Import filters: Export filters:
  • CorelDRAW ver.1-X6 (CDR/CDT/CCX/CDRX/CMX)
  • Adobe Illustrator up to 9 ver. (AI postscript based)
  • Postscript (PS)
  • Encapsulated Postscript (EPS)
  • Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM)
  • Windows Metafile (WMF)
  • Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)
  • Skencil/Sketch/sK1 (SK and SK1)
  • Acorn Draw (AFF)
  • AI (Postscript based Adobe Illustrator 5.0 format)
  • SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
  • SK (Sketch/Skencil format)
  • SK1 (sK1 format)
  • CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile)
  • WMF (Windows Metafile)
  • PDF (Portable Document Format)
  • PS (PostScript)

With our online service, you forget that the task of converting a vector to another format could have caused some difficulties. To translate, for example, EPS to AI, you just need to select the required format, then select the file on your computer. After a few seconds, you can download the vector in the required format from our website to your computer.

How to convert Image to Vector

Our converter can not only convert vector graphics, but also raster.

This allows you to quickly convert any images, eg. PNG to vector (for example, PNG to SVG) or JPG to vector (for example, JPG to SVG).

In this case, you only get black and white contours, but they will be processed perfectly and smoothly enough. For further processing in any vector editor. Fortunately, the number of free editors is large, for example:

All graphic files are divided into two global types - raster and vector. Sometimes you need to convert from a raster to a black and white vector. For example, for tracing black and white icons, QR codes, barcodes, pictures with raster inscriptions, receipts or pictures on a blog.

What is the difference between a raster file and a vector file?

Raster graphics
A raster file represents a sequence of colored squares (pixels). The number of points in a file is determined by its horizontal and vertical dimensions. For example, a 640x480 file contains 307,200 pixels. A raster file can be represented as a mosaic. You cannot stretch a raster image without losing quality.

Popular raster formats: JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, WEBP, BPG.

Vector graphics
Vector graphics represent many different geometric shapes described by mathematical formulas. The superposition of these shapes on top of each other forms an image. For example, an ordinary square is described by four equal segments, each of which is connected at its ends to the ends of the other two at an angle of 90 degrees.

Popular vector formats: SVG, EPS, WMF, PDF.

From raster to vector

Vectorization algorithm
Tracing occurs in several stages:
  • The vectorizer scans the image and finds all areas with pixels colored the same color.
  • Borders are approximated by 1 px thick segments.
  • A triangulation with a line constraint is constructed.

Potrace based converter
Sometimes you need to automatically convert images that users upload from raster to vector format.

There is a very simple and free way implement such a conversion using the vector editor Inkscape. Inkscape uses Potrace to vectorize images.

After tracing, the image can only be black and white. On potrace it is written that color support may be implemented in the future.

An example of converting from PNG to SVG. The potrace function only accepts files with the PNM extension as input, so before tracing PNG you need to convert:

Exec("convert image.png image.pnm"); exec("potrace image.pnm -s -o image.svg");
This method has been implemented and you can look at the quality of tracing of any image. An example of vectorization of a blurry barcode. And this is an example of a traced logo. This is how the converter copes with photographs.

How to make the output picture color
In addition to manual editing, there is another option for coloring a black and white picture at the output. But the picture should be low-color. The solution is suitable for tracing colored icons, logos and buttons into vector.

You can highlight individual colors using the ppmcolormask (part of the Netpbm package):

Cat img.gif | giftopnm | ppmcolormask #641b1b | potrace
Then trace each part separately and superimpose them on top of each other at the end.

From vector to raster

Rasterizing a vector drawing is much easier. A grid with cells of a certain size is superimposed on the vector image and the image is discretized, after which it is encoded according to the output format.

One example SVG conversions to PNG using Imagick.

Using this code you can convert SVG files in PNG24:

$svg = file_get_contents("image.svg"); $image = new Imagick(); $image->setBackgroundColor(new ImagickPixel("transparent")); $image->readImageBlob($svg); $image->setImageFormat("png24"); $image->writeImage("image.png"); $image->clear(); $image->destroy();
Here you can see the results of converting your images from SVG to PNG.

Abstract

  1. You can convert from raster to vector on your website using potrace.
  2. Potrace only supports black and white vectorization.
  3. You can convert from vector to raster using Imagick.

Let's say we have some raster image and we want to get it in vector form (or in curves). What do we need to do for this? First of all you need Adobe program Illustrator.

The version doesn't matter.

Procedure

Open our raster image in Adobe Illustrator. To do this, you can click on the picture right click mouse and select Open with... > Adobe Illustrator from the drop-down menu or launch Illustrator and drag the drawing onto the work area.

Original image

On the toolbar, select the tool “ Selection"(black arrow) and click on our image with this arrow. In this case, the drawing should stand out. To check this, you can try to move it a little by holding down the left mouse button while the cursor is over the picture (using the drag-and-drop principle).

Above the work area we find the button “ Fast Trace» and click on the arrow next to it. It shows all the options available for this action. We need the item " Trace options...". When we click on it, a window with parameters opens.

On the right side of the options window, select “ View". This will help you get a better result and understand what each of the parameters is responsible for.

1) do it scientifically, that is, you will need to read in the tooltips which of the parameters affects what and set the required values;

2) experiment with the parameters yourself, using the so-called “scientific poking method”.

I prefer the second method: firstly, the Russian translation of a word does not always fully convey the meaning inherent in the original, and secondly, it is often faster and easier to remember. Change the parameter. See what it affects (visually). Combine several parameters. And so on until a more or less acceptable result is achieved.

The resulting vector image.

When the picture already looks like the truth, in the tracing parameters window, click “ Tracing" and in the menu above the work area the button " Disassemble". This way we get the original image, but in curves.

If you are not satisfied with the result obtained, you can modify it. To do this, use the " Selection» you need to select all the created curves (press the left mouse button and, holding it, circle the entire drawing). Go to the menu item " An object» > « Transformation» > « Scaling” and resize the image so that it is large enough for easy editing. Then select the tool " Direct selection"(white arrow). Using this white arrow, we click on each node one by one and align the splines as necessary: ​​when you select a vertex, whiskers appear nearby, by pulling which you can change the curvature of the spline.

Result in grid mode

You can also get a better result if you initially take a large image good quality. Therefore, if you don’t want to waste time fiddling with spline nodes in the future, use high-quality images as raw materials for tracing!

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It may happen that you suddenly need to convert a regular raster image into a vector format. If you have never dealt with vector graphics before or have very vague ideas about it, then probably the first thing that will come to your mind is to find a converter program on the Internet, load a raster image into it and, as usual, get the finished result. But it's not that simple.


You shouldn’t rely on so-called raster-to-vector converters, since not all of them give the desired result. Most of these programs simply convert one format to another, for example, JPG to EPS, but this does not change the essence. And all because a raster and a vector are fundamentally different things and there is no way to convert them directly. If a raster image is a set of dots - pixels, then a vector image is essentially a mathematical formula, therefore the approach to it should be completely different.

By the way, the same EPS can store both vector and raster objects. And yet, there is a way to convert an ordinary picture into a vector, only it is not called conversion, but tracing or vectorization. There are two main types of tracing - manual and automatic. When manually tracing, a raster image opened in a vector editor is traced along the contours on a new layer, and then colored. With automatic vectorization, all these actions are performed by the program.

For example, the vector editor Adobe Illustrator provides a separate option for these purposes. To convert an image into a vector, open it in the editor, select it with the mouse, and then top menu choose “Window” -> “Image Trace”.

This will open a small toolbar where you can select the most suitable template. By default, Illustrator converts the image to black and white vector "silhouette".

To create the most realistic image, you should choose a preset "High precision photography". You can also set the maximum value for the parameter instead "Color Accuracy" using the slider, while the remaining parameters will be selected automatically. Before starting the vectorization process, make sure that the mode is still set "Color", and the palette "Full tone". Click the button "Trace" and wait for the conversion process to complete.

Concept vector images The vast majority of ordinary PC users say absolutely nothing. Designers, in turn, are increasingly inclined to use this type of graphics for their projects.

Previously, to work with SVG images, you would have to install one of the specialized desktop solutions like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape on your computer. Now similar tools are available online, without the need to download.

By running the corresponding query on Google, you can get acquainted with a huge number of various online vector editors. But the vast majority of such solutions offer rather meager capabilities and most often do not allow you to work with serious projects. We will consider best services to create and edit SVG images directly in the browser.

Of course, online tools cannot completely replace the corresponding desktop applications, but for most users the offered set of functions will be more than enough.

Method 1: Vectr

A thoughtful vector editor from the creators of the familiar Pixlr service. This tool will be useful for both beginners and experienced users in working with SVG.

Despite the abundance of functions, it will be quite difficult to get lost in the Vectr interface. For beginners there are detailed lessons and extensive instructions for each component of the service. The editor's tools include everything you need to create an SVG image: shapes, icons, frames, shadows, brushes, support for working with layers, etc. You can draw an image from scratch or upload your own.

The export capabilities also include one of Vectr's most distinctive features: support for direct links to the SVG project in the editor. Many resources do not allow you to download vector images directly, but nevertheless allow their remote display. In this case, Vectr can be used as a real SVG hosting, which other services do not allow.

It should be noted that the editor does not always process complex graphics correctly. For this reason, some projects may open in Vectr with errors or visual artifacts.

Method 2: Sketchpad

A simple and convenient web editor for creating SVG images, based on the HTML5 platform. Given the set available tools, it can be argued that the service is intended exclusively for drawing. With Sketchpad you can create beautiful, well-designed pictures, but that's about it.

The tool has a wide range of customizable brushes of various shapes and types, a set of shapes, fonts and stickers for overlay. The editor allows you to fully manipulate layers - control their placement and blending modes. Well, as a bonus, the application is completely translated into Russian, so you shouldn’t have any difficulties mastering it.


Method 3: Method Draw

This web application is designed for basic operations with vector files. Externally, the tool resembles desktop Adobe Illustrator, but in terms of functionality, everything is much simpler here. However, Method Draw also has some features.

In addition to working with SVG images, the editor allows you to import raster images and create vector ones based on them. This can be done by manually tracing contours using a pen. The application contains everything necessary tools for arranging vector drawings. There is an expanded library of shapes, a full-color palette and support for keyboard shortcuts.


Method Draw is definitely not suitable for creating serious vector projects - the reason for this is the lack of relevant functions. But thanks to the absence of unnecessary elements and a well-organized workspace, the service can be excellent for quickly editing or fine-tuning simple SVG images.

Method 4: Gravit Designer

Free web editor vector graphics for advanced users. Many designers put Gravit on a par with full-fledged desktop solutions, like Adobe Illustrator. The fact is that this tool is cross-platform, that is, it is fully available on all computer operating systems, as well as as a web application.

Gravit Designer is under active development and regularly receives new features, which are already enough for the layout of complex projects.

The editor offers you all kinds of tools for drawing paths, shapes, paths, text overlays, fills, as well as various custom effects. There is an extensive library of figures, thematic pictures and icons. Each element in the Gravit space has a list of properties that can be changed.

All this variety is “packed” into a stylish and intuitive interface, so that any tool is available in just a couple of clicks.


Considering that the service is designed for full-fledged work with vector graphics, it can be safely recommended even to professional designers. With Gravit, you can edit SVG graphics regardless of the platform you're doing it on. For now, this statement applies only to desktop OSes, but soon this editor will appear on mobile devices.

Method 5: Janvas

A popular tool for creating vector graphics among web developers. The service contains a number of drawing tools with highly customizable properties. main feature Janvas - the ability to create interactive SVG images animated with using CSS. And in conjunction with JavaScript, the service allows you to build entire web applications.

In skillful hands, this editor is a truly powerful tool, while a beginner, due to the abundance of all kinds of functions, most likely simply will not understand what’s what.


Yes, the tool, unfortunately, is not free. But this professional solution, which is not useful to everyone.

Method 6: DrawSVG

The most convenient online service that allows webmasters to create high-quality SVG elements for their sites as easily as possible. The editor contains an impressive library of shapes, icons, fills, gradients and fonts.

Using DrawSVG, you can design vector objects of any type and properties, change their parameters and render them as separate images. It is possible to embed third-party multimedia files into SVG: video and audio from a computer or network sources.

This editor, unlike most others, doesn't feel like a browser port of a desktop application. On the left are the main drawing tools, and on the top are the controls. The main space is occupied by the canvas for working with graphics.