◆ Illustrator · trace

Graphic Conversion

Trace the volunteer's leaflet sketch into a clean vector on an 8.5x11 artboard, tidy stray anchor points, set CMYK col…

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”Trace the volunteer's leaflet sketch into a clean vector on an 8.5x11 artboard, tidy stray…+
Trace the volunteer's leaflet sketch into a clean vector on an 8.5x11 artboard, tidy stray anchor points, set CMYK colours, and package the file with fonts and linked images for the printer — confirm bleeds and 300 dpi imagery first.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before sending the traced leaflet to print, make the file printer-ready: smooth traced paths to…+
Before sending the traced leaflet to print, make the file printer-ready: smooth traced paths to remove jitter, convert hand lettering to consistent vector type if needed, verify 0.125-inch bleed on all sides, embed images at 300 dpi, and add a short note for the printer about intended fold lines.
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
Turn the campaign leaflet sketch received from a volunteer into clean vector artwork the printer can use.
Vectorise a scan of a historical map so place names and borders remain sharp at poster size.
Vectorise a donor's ink sketch so it can be used on invitations and placards at multiple sizes without pixelation.
Turn the vendor’s logo set into a clean, consistent set of vendor icons for procurement documents and the asset database.

Who does this

4 roles
Campaign ManagerNetwork AdministratorHistorianMuseum Curator

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.