vectorize-image

How to Vectorize an Image (Free, in Your Browser)

Three ways to convert any PNG, JPG or WebP into a scalable SVG vector — online for free, in Adobe Illustrator, or in free Inkscape.

Method 1 — Online (free, in your browser)

Recommended for 90% of cases. No install, no upload, no sign-up.

  1. Step 1
    Pick the right source image

    Use the largest, cleanest copy of your image you have. Avoid screenshots and aggressively compressed JPGs — re-export from the original whenever possible.

  2. Step 2
    Open the converter

    Go to vectorize-image.app. The page loads in under two seconds and the tracing engine downloads on first use only.

  3. Step 3
    Drop your file

    Drag the PNG, JPG or WebP onto the dropzone, or click to choose a file. Files up to 10 MB are supported.

  4. Step 4
    Pick a preset

    Logo for flat-color marks, sketch for one-color line art, photo for detailed images. The page re-traces immediately when you switch.

  5. Step 5
    Preview and download

    Inspect the SVG side-by-side with the original. When happy, click Download SVG. The output is a single self-contained file ready to use.

Open the converter →

Method 2 — Adobe Illustrator (Image Trace)

Best if you already pay for Creative Cloud and want fine slider control.

  1. Step 1
    Open your raster image in Illustrator

    File → Open the PNG/JPG. Illustrator places it as an embedded raster object on the canvas.

  2. Step 2
    Select the image and run Image Trace

    With the image selected, choose Window → Image Trace. Pick a preset close to your artwork (e.g. "Logo" or "3 Colors"). Tweak Threshold and Paths sliders for cleaner output.

  3. Step 3
    Expand to editable paths

    Click Expand in the top toolbar. The tracing becomes real vector paths you can edit, recolor and export as SVG, AI, PDF or EPS.

Detailed Illustrator workflow →

Method 3 — Inkscape (free desktop app)

Best if you prefer a free, open-source desktop app or do batch work.

  1. Step 1
    Import the raster image into Inkscape

    File → Import the PNG/JPG. Choose "Embed" so the file travels with your .svg.

  2. Step 2
    Run Path → Trace Bitmap

    With the image selected, open Path → Trace Bitmap (Shift+Alt+B). For logos use "Brightness cutoff" or "Multiple scans → Colors". Preview, then click Apply.

  3. Step 3
    Delete the raster, save as SVG

    Move the new vector off the original raster, delete the raster, then File → Save As to write a clean SVG.

Tips

  • • Larger source = cleaner trace. Aim for 1024px on the longest edge.
  • • If a logo has many colors, the logo preset will quantize them down — that is intentional and usually desirable.
  • • For two-color or one-color sketches, use the sketch preset to get the smallest, cleanest SVG.

FAQ

What is the difference between raster and vector?
Raster images (PNG, JPG, WebP) store pixels and lose quality when scaled. Vector images (SVG) describe shapes mathematically and stay sharp at any size.
Which method should I pick?
Online tool: fastest for 90% of cases, especially logos and sketches. Illustrator: best if you already pay for Creative Cloud and need fine slider control. Inkscape: best if you want a free desktop app for repeated batch work.
When should I NOT vectorize a photo?
If you need photographic realism, stay with raster. Vectorization works best for logos, icons, line art and stylized illustrations.
Will any of these methods upload my image?
The online tool here does not — everything runs locally in your browser. Illustrator and Inkscape are desktop apps and never touch the network. Other online services may upload your file; check their privacy policy.

Ready to try? Open the converter.