◆ Illustrator · trace

Template and Library Standards

Create and package a shared file with CAD-to-vector templates and symbol sets on artboards so project teams can import…

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 and package a shared file with CAD-to-vector templates and symbol sets on artboards so…+
Create and package a shared file with CAD-to-vector templates and symbol sets on artboards so project teams can import standardised symbols and templates across projects.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before publishing the shared library, make it adoption-ready: include a README artboard with…+
Before publishing the shared library, make it adoption-ready: include a README artboard with placement rules and layer conventions, provide symbol variants at common scales, lock non-editable master symbols, and export a packaged file with versioning info for team distribution.
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.
ArtboardsPrintable areas on the canvas that represent individual pages or assets in your document.ExampleYour document has three artboards, one for the front of a business card, one for the back, and one for the logo.
SymbolsReusable graphic objects that you can store and apply multiple times in a document.ExampleYou create a symbol of a star and reuse it many times throughout your design without increasing file size.
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.

The real tasks

1 of them
Set standards and distribute a shared library of CAD-to-vector templates and symbol sets for all project teams.

Who does this

1 roles
Landscape Architect

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.