Vectorizing an Illustrator file is actually a bit of a misnomer. Illustrator files are already vector-based, meaning they are made up of mathematical equations that define lines, curves, and shapes. This makes them scalable without losing quality, unlike raster images which are made up of pixels.
However, you might be asking this question because you want to convert a raster image into a vector image within Illustrator. Here's how you can do that:
1. Open the Raster Image in Illustrator
- Go to File > Open and select your raster image.
2. Use the Image Trace Tool
- Select the Image Trace tool from the toolbar (it looks like a tracing paper icon).
- Click on the raster image in your document.
- A Preview of the tracing will appear in the Control Panel.
- Adjust the Tracing Options to your liking, including:
- Mode: Choose between different tracing modes like Black and White, Colors, Grayscales, and High Fidelity Photo.
- Paths: Adjust the number of paths and the accuracy of the tracing.
- Corners: Control the smoothness of corners.
- Noise: Remove unwanted noise from the image.
- Click Expand to convert the traced image into vector paths.
3. Edit and Refine the Vector Image
- You can now select and edit individual paths, colors, and shapes using the Direct Selection Tool and other tools in Illustrator.
- Refine the tracing by adding or removing points, adjusting the curvature, and changing the colors.
4. Save the Vector Image
- Go to File > Save As and choose Illustrator (.ai) as the file format.
Practical Insights:
- The accuracy of the tracing depends on the quality of the original raster image and the chosen tracing options.
- For complex images, you might need to manually edit the vector paths after tracing.
- When tracing a photo, using the High Fidelity Photo mode can be helpful for capturing fine details.
Remember: Illustrator is designed for working with vector graphics, so while you can convert raster images into vectors, it is best to start with vector-based artwork whenever possible.
