Everything you need to know about Vectorize
Vectorize converts your raster image into a scalable SVG vector file. The tool analyzes your image, reduces it to a limited color palette, and traces each color region into vector shapes. The result is a resolution-independent SVG that can be scaled to any size without quality loss.
Parameters
- Colors
Sets the number of colors in the output palette (2–32). Fewer colors create simpler, smaller SVG files with bold, graphic shapes. More colors preserve subtle gradations but increase complexity and file size. The detected palette is shown as color swatches in the dialog.
Preview Panel
The preview shows how your image will look after color quantization. Each pixel is mapped to the nearest color in the detected palette. This helps you find the right balance between color count and visual quality before exporting.
How It Works
The vectorization process uses median-cut color quantization to extract a representative palette from your image. Each pixel is then assigned to the closest palette color. The Potrace algorithm traces each color region into smooth Bézier curve paths, layered from largest to smallest area for a clean, gap-free result.
Best Use Cases
- Logo conversion – Turn raster logos into scalable vectors
- Graphic illustrations – Convert flat-color artwork to SVG
- Stylized art – Create posterized vector versions of photos
- Print preparation – Generate resolution-independent graphics
Tips
- Start with 8 colors and adjust based on preview results
- Use 2–4 colors for bold, graphic poster effects
- Works best on images with distinct color regions (logos, illustrations, cartoons)
- Photos typically need more colors (16–32) but may still look stylized
- This is an export tool – it downloads an SVG file without modifying your image