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June 3, 2024

What is an Image Vectorizer and How Can It Benefit Designers?

What exactly is an image vectorizer, and why should designers care about it?

As the digital tooling landscape evolves, so do the tools and techniques available for designers to use to create stunning visuals. One such tool that has gained prominence is the image vectorizer. But what exactly is an image vectorizer, and why should designers care about it, especially when dealing with raster (also known as bitmap) formats and images?

Stick around for a deep dive into the world of vectorization, or if you’re ready to vectorize your image, get started with our free image vectorizing tool.

What is a vector image?

A vector image is a graphic that uses mathematical equations to create shapes, lines, and colors. These mathematical equations generate vector shapes, which are essential for applications requiring scalability and precision. Unlike raster images, which are made up of individual pixels, vector images are resolution-independent. 

Common formats for vector images include SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), and PDF (Portable Document Format).

Understanding the differences between vector and raster images is crucial for designers.

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Vector images vs. raster (bitmap) images

A vector file stores scalable vector graphics without pixel data, ensuring that the image remains crisp and clear at any size. This means they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Using vectors for producing high-quality images ensures consistency across various media.

Because vector images maintain their clarity and detail at any size, this makes them ideal for logos, icons, printed materials and other graphics that need to be resized frequently.

Raster images (also known as bitmap images), like JPEGs and PNGs, are made up of pixels. Raster images are resolution-dependent and can become pixelated when scaled, unlike vector images which maintain their quality. Rasterized vector art can also suffer from quality degradation when compressed, making lossless formats like PNG more suitable for preserving high fidelity.

On the other hand, vector images maintain their clarity and detail at any size, making them ideal for logos, icons, and other graphics that need to be resized frequently.

Key differences between vector and raster images:

Why are vectors useful?

Vectors are invaluable in various design scenarios:

  1. Branding: Logos and branding materials often need to be used in different sizes and formats. Vectors ensure consistent quality across all applications.
  2. Print Media: From business cards to billboards, vectors provide the flexibility needed for high-quality print materials.
  3. Web Design: SVGs are commonly used on websites for icons and illustrations due to their small file size and scalability.
  4. Animation: Vector graphics are essential in animation and motion graphics, offering smooth and scalable visuals.

The applications of vectors are endless, and Recraft makes all of these possible!

How to convert images to vectors

Converting images to vectors can be done manually or with the help of AI tools. Let's explore both methods:

Converting images to vectors manually

Manual conversion involves tracing the image using vector design software like Adobe Illustrator. This process requires a good eye for detail, proficiency in the software and can take painstaking hours to complete. 

Using Recraft for vectorization

Recraft makes vectorization quick, easy and accessible. Here’s how you can convert raster images into vectors using Recraft for free:

  1. Create New Project. 
  2. Drag and drop in the image you would like to vectorize, or click the import button on the toolbar. You can upload a JPG or PNG file of up to 4096px.
  3. When your image appears, click on it and in the toolbar directly above it, click the Vectorize button.
  4. Export your vector as an SVG.

Why choose Recraft for vectorization?

Recraft's online image vectorizer is free, user-friendly and transforms pixel-prone PNG and JPG files into scalable vector graphics in moments. Experiment with your vector art by resizing, rotating, and enhancing details — enjoy limitless creativity with your infinite canvas!

Recraft's tool utilizes advanced vector operations to ensure precise and efficient vectorization. With endless fine-tuning available, Recraft ensures that your final product aligns perfectly with your brand identity and design vision.

Recraft also enables designers to generate endless images in their personal design or brand style, to remove unwanted elements in an image and to create seamless patterns

Vectorize your images today, for free, with Recraft!

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Get started with Recraft 

In the ever-evolving world of digital design, vector images offer unparalleled advantages in terms of scalability, quality, and flexibility. Whether you’re working on logos, branded icons, social media, or digital banners, understanding and utilizing vectorization can significantly enhance your creative projects.

Recraft makes generating vector images and converting rasters to vectors easier than ever, empowering designers to focus more on creativity and less on technical limitations. Unlock the full potential of your designs with Recraft’s vectorization tool.

Dive deeper into Recraft’s features, see stunning examples of AI-generated art, and learn how our tool can transform your design projects.

Explore the capabilities of Recraft today and see how it can transform your design workflow!

FAQs

Can I vectorize an image for free?

Recraft offers free image vectorization for non-commercial use. Check out our tiered subscription plans for access to commercial use, image ownership, and priority image generation.

Is Recraft AI design platform free?

Absolutely! Recraft provides a free version with essential features for designers, as well as a paid version. We suggest starting with the free version to see if you require the extra functionalities of the paid subscription. Sign up at recraft.ai.

What is an SVG file?

A scalable vector graphic (SVG) is an XML-based format used for 2D vector images. Unlike PNG or JPG files, which pixelate and lose sharpness when enlarged, SVG can be rendered at any resolution. These vector graphics are becoming increasingly popular among designers for their ability to maintain quality and ease of editing and scaling.

What is a vector image?

Vectors are computer graphics generated from geometric shapes such as points, lines, and curves. Unlike other image types that may lose quality when resized, vectors maintain their quality at any size. This makes them ideal for creating icons and logos.

How do I use the Recraft image vectorizer?

Image vectorization with Recraft is simple! Log into your Recraft account and start a new project. You can import a raster or bitmap image to vectorize, or use Recraft's AI vector generator to create vectors from text. Edit your vectorized art by adjusting the aspect ratio, modifying the color palette, or enhancing the image quality with AI upscaling. When you're done, download your vector art as an SVG file.

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