◆ Illustrator · trace

Print Preparation

Create cut-line and plate marks for digitization: set up an artboard template with crop guides, safe area and registra…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More trace workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Create cut-line and plate marks for digitization: set up an artboard template with crop guides,…+
Create cut-line and plate marks for digitization: set up an artboard template with crop guides, safe area and registration marks sized to standard scanning platen, include 5mm bleed and export as a packaged file for the imaging team by Friday.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before handing to imaging, make marks enforce consistent crops: provide templates for the three…+
Before handing to imaging, make marks enforce consistent crops: provide templates for the three most-used platen sizes, add numbered corner crop marks and a visible safe-zone mask, include a short note on where metadata badges should sit, and export one packaged file plus individual template PDFs for each platen size.
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

1 of them
Create a set of cut-line marks and plate marks for items to be digitized so imaging techs crop consistently across collections.

Who does this

1 roles
Archivist

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.