How to trace a bitmap in Vectric software | Creating Vectors

Overview

This video demonstrates how to use the Trace Bitmap tool in Vectric software to automatically create vector boundaries from colored or black-and-white bitmap images. It covers both color tracing and black-and-white tracing modes, plus options for refining traced results such as noise filtering and corner fitting.

Steps

1. Import a bitmap

   • Import the image file (e.g., the cranium example).
   • The bitmap is placed on a dedicated bitmap layer.
   • Toggle bitmap visibility using the layer visibility controls or the 2D/3D view toolbar icons.

2. Open the Trace Bitmap tool

   • Select the imported bitmap.
   • Go to the Design tab.
   • Under Create Vectors, click Trace Bitmap.

3. Choose the trace type

   • Select Color for color images.
   • Select Black and White for black-and-white images or to convert a color image to monochrome.

4. Color tracing mode

   • The image is automatically reduced to 16 colors.
   • Use the slider to control how many colors are visible.
   • Select colors from the palette, or click directly on colors in the 2D view.
   • Selected colors are highlighted with the trace color indicator (red by default).
   • Change the trace color if desired.
   • Press Preview to generate vectors from the selected colors.
   • Add or remove colors as needed, then preview again.
   • Enable Group Vectors if you want the traced vectors grouped together.
   • Click Apply to accept the traced vectors.

5. Trace only specific areas

   • Drag a selection box around the area you want to trace.
   • Select colors within that selection.
   • Press Preview to trace only colors inside the selection box.
   • Press Apply to commit that trace.
   • Select a new area and repeat as needed.

6. Black-and-white tracing mode

   • Switch the trace type to Black and White.
   • Adjust the slider to control the amount of black/white detail.
   • Press Preview to see the resulting vectors.

7. Reduce noise

   • If small unwanted vector fragments appear, use the Noise Filter slider.
   • Increase the minimum pixel size to remove small noise vectors.
   • Press Preview to check the result.

8. Adjust corner fitting

   • Use the Fit slider to control accuracy:
     • Loose produces smoother, softer corners.
     • Tight produces sharper, more accurate corners.
   • Preview and choose the best fit for your project.

9. Apply and continue

   • Press Apply to create the final vectors.
   • Close the Trace Bitmap dialog.
   • The vectors are ready for editing or toolpath creation.

Key Points / Warnings

• Imported bitmaps are placed on a bitmap layer. You can hide them from the 2D or 3D view independently.
• The Trace Bitmap tool requires an active selection of the bitmap before it can be used.
• In color mode, the software converts the image to 16 colors. Use the color slider to limit the palette further.
• The red trace color is only a visual indicator of what will be traced. It can be changed in the dialog.
• Selecting colors by clicking directly in the 2D view can be faster than using the palette.
• If Group Vectors is enabled, all traced vectors are grouped after Apply. Use Ungroup to separate them.
• The selection box restricts tracing to the area inside the box, which is useful for isolating specific image regions.
• The noise filter sets the minimum size of traced pixel areas. Increase it to eliminate random small vectors.
• Corner fit affects how closely vectors follow sharp edges. Loose is smoother; tight is more accurate.
• Always press Preview before Apply to verify the result.