◆ Illustrator · trace

Create Wordmark

Convert hand-lettered donor title into a usable wordmark: trace the letterforms, preserve unique quirks while improvin…

2heights
8tasks
4roles do it
See the prompt↓More trace workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Convert hand-lettered donor title into a usable wordmark: trace the letterforms, preserve…+
Convert hand-lettered donor title into a usable wordmark: trace the letterforms, preserve unique quirks while improving spacing, create usable uppercase and small-cap versions, and export EPS and SVG for exhibit labels by next Tuesday.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before approving the wordmark, make it exhibit-ready: produce a tight, kerned main wordmark…+
Before approving the wordmark, make it exhibit-ready: produce a tight, kerned main wordmark plus a looser version for small labels, test at 72 pt and 12 pt for legibility, deliver SVG and an instruction note on minimum clear space and reproduction limits for exhibit designers.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Image Trace

Image Trace converts raster images like JPEGs, PNGs, and PSDs into editable vector artwork.

  1. 1

    Create a new Illustrator document by choosing File > New.

  2. 2

    Select File > Place, choose your raster image, and place it on the canvas.

    NoteImage Trace will be grayed out if the placed image is already a vector.

  3. 3

    With the image selected, open the Image Trace panel via Window > Image Trace.

    NoteAlternatively, select a preset from the Control panel.

  4. 4

    Check the Preview box in the Image Trace panel to see real-time changes.

  5. 5

    Select a mode from the Mode dropdown menu that best suits your design.

  6. 6

    Adjust the Colors, Grays, or Threshold slider as needed.

  7. 7

    Select Manage Presets to create, save, or manage custom presets.

  8. 8

    Press and hold next to View to compare the traced image with the source image.

  9. 9

    Click the Expand button in the Control panel or Object > Image Trace > Expand.

    Best practiceAfter expanding, use the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow) to fix awkward curves or jagged lines.

  10. 10

    Ungroup the traced image by selecting Object > Ungroup to edit individual vector paths.

For best results, always start with a high-quality raster image before using Image Trace.

Image Trace functionality is not directly exposed through Illustrator's scripting API for automated vectorization.

Glossary

words on this page
Selection toolA primary tool used to select, move, and resize entire objects in your artwork.ExampleYou use the Selection tool to grab a photo and drag it to a new position on the page.
Image TraceA feature that converts raster images into editable vector artwork.ExampleA scanned drawing is converted into editable vector lines and shapes.
UngroupTo separate grouped objects into individual, editable components while maintaining their original positions.ExampleTo adjust one shape within a logo, you first Ungroup the entire design.
ExpandA command that converts appearances, effects, or objects into editable paths.ExampleYou expand a brush stroke to turn its appearance into a solid, editable shape.

The real tasks

4 of them
Convert donor-provided hand-lettered titles into a usable wordmark for exhibit labels while retaining character and legibility.
Convert headline copy into a bold wordmark for packaging that remains legible in small-format labels.
Convert hand-drawn signage lettering into a precise wordmark the signage vendor can cut and mount.
Convert researcher-supplied handwritten labels into vector wordmarks for shelf stickers that won't rasterize when printed.

Who does this

4 roles
Records ManagerArchivistIndustrial DesignerInterior Designer

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Illustrator — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.