◆ Illustrator · trace

Vectorize Artwork

Trace the aerial photo to show existing site features for the feasibility study: perform an image-trace at medium deta…

2heights
42tasks
10roles 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 aerial photo to show existing site features for the feasibility study: perform an…+
Trace the aerial photo to show existing site features for the feasibility study: perform an image-trace at medium detail, clean up paths to remove noise, simplify anchor-heavy edges, and export a vector DXF for CAD overlay.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before I hand this to the surveyor, make the vector readable and accurate: separate vegetation,…+
Before I hand this to the surveyor, make the vector readable and accurate: separate vegetation, buildings and hardscape into layers, snap traced geometry to the project grid, smooth and simplify contours to less than 500 anchors per layer, and include a short note on any ambiguous photo features needing site verification.
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.
LayersStackable, transparent sheets that organize and allow independent editing of different artwork elements.ExampleYou hide the text layer to focus on editing only the background image.

The real tasks

8 of them
Trace and simplify an aerial photo to show existing site features and constraints for the feasibility study.
Trace and convert a photographed bank statement excerpt into a clean vector clip to illustrate an example of a reconciled account.
Trace a photographed whiteboard of a process map into tidy vector shapes for the process-improvement packet.
Trace and simplify a volunteer's hand-drawn map into a legible vector that prints clearly on handouts.
Trace contours from a clear aerial photograph to record elevation lines that field crews can follow.
Trace a hand‑drawn organizational chart sketch into crisp vector lines to include in the annual plan.
Trace a photographed revegetation diagram so contractors can follow exact planting spacings and species zones.
Trace hand sketches of a custom millwork profile so the fabricator has a crisp vector pattern to follow.

Who does this

10 roles
AuditorBusiness Intelligence AnalystCampaign ManagerFinance ManagerOffice ManagerPMO AnalystQuality Control Analyst (Biotech)Regulatory Affairs AnalystUrban PlannerLandscape 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.