Preserved Topic: from raster to vector?

I really like vector formats ability to scale at whatever size and maintain its quality. Unfortunatly it doesn't seem to be able allow the filters and special effects that make a graphics so cool. When you try to resize a rastor graphic, it seems the image is somewhat degraded. Is there anyway to reconvert a final raster graphic back into a vector? If not, how do you create a graphic with the same cool effects and appeal as a raster graphic while having the scalability of a vector?

Well the short answer is you can't, not realy. Most filters could not be implmented on vector data, filters such as gaussian blur, and high pass filters what would you apply it to.

Some programs use a hybred system, (This is how illustrator 10 works with filters such as blur, etc...) storing the filter setting until as save, rasterize or RIP stage the the graphic is rasterized. Which is ok as every graphic will be rastered at some point, either at the printer, RIP, or your graphic card. (Unless you are going to a pen plotter or mask cutter.)

Some effects can be simulated with vector object (Blends are created by making several vector objects progressing in color.

Complex effects can be created by, mixing vector and raster images. If done properly you still can still retain some scaleability.


This was 100% vector until I rendered as a GIF:



This is a combo vector with raster elements. Rendered as a GIF. The texture is raster but masked with vector elements and the text is vector. I could scale it quite large without noticable pixelation.





jstuartj



[This message has been edited by jstuartj (edited 11-25-2002).]

This is one of those questions that you have to file under "It depends". There is no magic swiss army knife method of graphics production (while it would be nice... it would also put me out of a job! haha )

With experience, you learn lots of ways to do the type of work that you need to do based on the SITUATION and you stop looking for the one way that will work in all situations. Sometimes you need vector, sometimes you need raster, sometimes you need spot color, sometimes you need process, sometimes RGB, sometimes CMYK.. etc. etc. The more you work with graphcis, the more you become comfortable with the tools, the easier it is to spot which tool or technique is required for each scenario.

Software and hardware are becoming more and more advanced, but it's still no substitute for experience.

$0.02


It's only after we've lost everything...
That we're free to do anything...

If you create a raster or a client gives you a raster then you need Adobe Streamline http://www.adobe.com/products/streamline/main.html to convert to a vector. I have not used it but it looks cool. Corel also sells something like this also.

Streamline is pretty good, but a) it's not as powerful as you'd suspect, unless I'm missing something major about it, and b) with a simple image, you can usually get pretty good results out of Illustrator's autotrace tool.

Streamline works, I don't think I would acutually pay money for it, I got it free with illustrator 3.0. I alwasy end up doing more clean up then when I just scan it and trace it by hand. I you try Streamline keep in mind it is designed to convert hand drawn artwork, the higher the res scan, the better the trace. I scan at originals a about 600-1200ppi at 100% of size depending on detail and nunber of colors. Tracing a webgraphic that was only 400 px wide would just result in a jagged path. Not much better then the original you are better off tracing by hand.

Coral trace, I works just as well if not better. But the same advice apply. I don't know if you can buy it on it's own. I got it with TurboCad.

Freehand has a very nice trace function, as does flash.

jstuartj



[This message has been edited by jstuartj (edited 11-28-2002).]

I read a review of an impressive one designed to help with Flash - Mac only. Silhouette or something? I might have a free demo of it around somewhere.

[edit: it looks like they have a Windows version out now - the site is:
http://www.silhouetteonline.com

anyone given this a go? The review I read was very impressive. I've used Corel Trace and found it to be OK if you are familiarise yourself with it]

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

And, of course, j-man has written a tutorial on Flash's inbuilt raster to vector convertor here:
www.gurusnetwork.com/tutorials/flash/paint2photo.html

As mentioned here:
http://development.gurusnetwork.com/discussion/thread/1738/

would people be interested running tests on the various tracing software out there? We could use a couple of different types of image (photograph, logo, line drawing, etc.)?

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

Started an FAQ on this:
http://faq.ozoneasylum.com/958/

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

Hey jstuartj, Thanks for the review. I only know about Streamline from their website. I've never used it but I have used Corels program. You do get Corel Trace when you buy their 'suite' of Draw & PhotoPaint. It works 'fine' but I can't get a hang of the controls to well. It seems like they offer some special effects built into it which bugs the heck out of me... I just want it to trace not fool around.

put an effect layer on it, or just copy it, rasterize the copy, and play with the filters and layer effects accordingly.

edit: this means: keep your vectors

[This message has been edited by Arthemis (edited 12-04-2002).]

quite some time ago, I posed a similar question to the forum about vector and rastor conversion/integration. I have found that it is best to try to fully understand the differences between the two formats and how photoshop and illustrator will allow you to integrate the two in one image. Vector is vector....rastor is rastor...each separate with different pros and cons...you simply can not make one like the other. Therefore, it is better to combine the positive aspects of both in one image as has been stated before.

In working with print, I commonly use an eps file with vector shapes to define smooth lines. If I need the use of rastor effects, I simply place the image in a vector mask. In regards to streamlline...you can get many effects out of it that can look much cooler that the original raster (...but watch your file size!). In other occasions...using the pen tool in illustrator is simply the best way (praise to the pen).

hope this helps