How to Vectorize an Image in Illustrator

An image can be vectorized in Illustrator and then you can use it on a big scale without losing the quality of the image. You can easily vectorize any image. Vectorizing any image means that it is converted into points. You can vectorize the image in different formats by Image Trace in the Illustrator Quick Actions panel.

You can also watch the below video tutorial, to learn how to vectorize an image in Adobe Illustrator.

The main difference between vector and raster images is that the vectors are made up of many points and they are connected to each other. On the other hand, the raster images are made up of pixels. So when you enlarge a raster image it loses its quality and cannot be used on a bigger scale. So it is encouraged for every designer to vectorize the image first so that it converts to points and when you enlarge it, the quality remains the same.

You can also learn:

• How to Save a Vector File in Illustrator
• How to Convert a PNG to Vector in Illustrator CC
• How to Convert Raster to Vector in Illustrator CC
• How to Trace Image in Illustrator
• How to Resize an Image in Illustrator Without Losing Quality

If you are new or don’t have the idea to vectorize an image in Adobe Illustrator, then you are at the right place. In this tutorial, we will give you a detailed step-by-step guide to vectorizing any image in Adobe Illustrator.

So let’s start.

How to Vectorize an Image in Adobe Illustrator 2022

Select the image with Selection Tool. From Properties > Quick Actions > Image Trace, select image trace preset. Expand and then Ungroup the image. Edit according to your choice. You can delete any part of the image if needed. You have vectorized the image.

Below you can see the step-by-step guide to vectorizing any image in Adobe Illustrator.

Step 1: Select any image that you want to vectorize from the artboard using the Selection Tool.

You can also place the image by dragging it from its folder directly to the artboard.

Image Trace in Illustrator

Step 2: To vectorize the image, all you need to do is to trace image using the Image Trace option available in the Quick Actions panel.

Go to Properties > Quick Actions > Image Trace.

You can also use the Image Trace option by Window > Image Trace.

Step 3: When you click on Image Trace, you will see different presets available. You can choose any presets according to your choice or in the format that you needed to vectorize the image.

Step 4: Here we are choosing HIgh Fidelity Photo, as we want the image to remain original as it is.

Step 5: As you select preset you will see the Progress Dialog box appears.

Step 6: The image is now traced and vectorized.

You can see the difference in the image before and after vectorizing.

Before:

After the image is vectorized, you can see the option to Expand it under the Properties > Quick Actions > Expand.

After expanding the image, ungroup it by Properties > Quick Actions > Ungroup.

You can also ungroup the image by Right click and then from the list of options select Ungroup. The image will be ungrouped and you can easily edit it.

Here is the image after editing it.

You have learned to Vectorize images in Adobe Illustrator.

In this tutorial, you have learned to vectorize images in Adobe Illustrator, You can vectorize any image to use it on a big scale without having the issue of quality.

Have More Questions?

If you have any questions related to vectorizing any image in Adobe Illustrator, you can ask in the comment section below. We have also answered some most frequently asked questions below.

Convert Image to Vector Free

You can free convert images to vectors in Illustrator by Properties > Quick Actions > Image Trace > High Fidelity Photo.

How to Vectorize Text in Illustrator

To vectorize the text in Illustrator, select the text using the Selection Tool, right-click and select Create Outlines. The text is now vector.

All Done! Enjoy.