How to Create a Vector Outline With a Photo and Inkscape
Open Inkscape., Open your image in Inkscape., Choose the size for the vector image., Resize your photograph or raster image., Click on the Pencil (freehand) tool icon, or press F6. , Zoom in on the raster image., Start tracing using the Pencil...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Open Inkscape.
This one was found in a search for Creative Commons images.
Until you have some experience creating vector images, it is good to learn the process with a simpler image. , Click on File > Document Properties.
Alternatively, press CTRL + SHIFT + D Choose the size that you want the vector image to be.
You can select from a list of standard page sizes or type in a custom width and height.
This article will use 300x300.
You do not have to hit Enter; just close the dialog box. , Click the Select and transform tool in the column of tool icons on the left side of the workspace, or press F1.
Click on your raster image until outward-pointing arrows appear at its corners.
If you see rotational arrows, click in the middle of your raster image again.
Click on one of the outward-pointing corner arrows and hold CTRL while moving the mouse diagonally to resize your raster image to the size of the vector image.
Holding CTRL maintains the aspect ratio of the selected object. ,, Hold down CTRL while moving the scroll wheel on your mouse, or click on the Zoom tool icon: , The traced paths should be somewhat similar to the shape, but they don't have to be exact.
You will make adjustments later. , You will see many squares.
Those are nodes that define the path.
You won't need nearly as many as are there, so it's helpful to eliminate some of them.
There are two ways to do this:
Select a section to edit and hit CTRL L to Simplify the path.
This is an easy way to eliminate excess nodes.
Unless you are doing some really fine work, this method should be sufficient enough for you.
You can use the Simplify command multiple times on the same selected nodes.
Select a section to edit.
Click on nodes (squares), and delete them by hitting the Delete key after each selection. , As you can see, this one will need some tightening up.
It was created using a trackball, so precision work was difficult. , In this intentionally messed up image, the node is clearly visible.
Moving the square will move its location, and moving the two circular extensions off of it will adjust its Bezier curve segments.
You will have to experiment and read the Inkscape manual to get the hang of it.
To get the basic shape of your image, move the nodes (squares) to the correct places before doing further adjustments.
You will find yourself adjusting the curves, but moving the nodes first makes it easier.
You can click on a segment connecting two nodes and adjust the line. , Be aware that you can zoom in too close.
Some parts of your image may require you to be very close, but others might need your perspective to be a little further out. , Click on the Select and transform tool icon, or press F1:
Click on the photo and move it over to the side.
You will probably want to keep it nearby for future reference. , Click on the Select and transform tool icon:
Select the entire image, and 'unionize' it.
Click on Path > Union.
Hold down CTRL and ++ simultaneously. , Select it (or it may still be selected) and then choose the color at the bottom of the screen and click on it. , You won't be actually painting your image yet, but finding out where any gaps or holes are.
If it won't fill, it isn't 'bounded' and it needs more work on the nodes. ,, This image is a traced vector outline from the flower above. , Go into Document Properties to resize the image . , This image has been tripled in size with no loss of resolution or pixels. , You may have to use another program to get your finer adjustments. -
Step 2: Open your image in Inkscape.
-
Step 3: Choose the size for the vector image.
-
Step 4: Resize your photograph or raster image.
-
Step 5: Click on the Pencil (freehand) tool icon
-
Step 6: or press F6.
-
Step 7: Zoom in on the raster image.
-
Step 8: Start tracing using the Pencil tool.
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Step 9: Once complete
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Step 10: click on the Edit paths by nodes tool icon
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Step 11: or press F2: Zoom in on the path you drew
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Step 12: and start editing.
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Step 13: Zoom in on your image to see where the paths need adjustment.
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Step 14: Start adjusting.
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Step 15: Periodically zoom out to check your progress.
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Step 16: Remove your raster image from the screen so you can check for gaps in your traced paths.
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Step 17: Assemble all the various parts of the image.
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Step 18: Choose the color that you want your image to be.
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Step 19: Find the Paint Bucket Icon and click on it.
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Step 20: Zoom in even closer to see where more work needs done.
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Step 21: Continue until you have your basic outline.
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Step 22: Resize the image.
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Step 23: See how vectors work.
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Step 24: Note the gaps between the colors of the image and the outline.
Detailed Guide
This one was found in a search for Creative Commons images.
Until you have some experience creating vector images, it is good to learn the process with a simpler image. , Click on File > Document Properties.
Alternatively, press CTRL + SHIFT + D Choose the size that you want the vector image to be.
You can select from a list of standard page sizes or type in a custom width and height.
This article will use 300x300.
You do not have to hit Enter; just close the dialog box. , Click the Select and transform tool in the column of tool icons on the left side of the workspace, or press F1.
Click on your raster image until outward-pointing arrows appear at its corners.
If you see rotational arrows, click in the middle of your raster image again.
Click on one of the outward-pointing corner arrows and hold CTRL while moving the mouse diagonally to resize your raster image to the size of the vector image.
Holding CTRL maintains the aspect ratio of the selected object. ,, Hold down CTRL while moving the scroll wheel on your mouse, or click on the Zoom tool icon: , The traced paths should be somewhat similar to the shape, but they don't have to be exact.
You will make adjustments later. , You will see many squares.
Those are nodes that define the path.
You won't need nearly as many as are there, so it's helpful to eliminate some of them.
There are two ways to do this:
Select a section to edit and hit CTRL L to Simplify the path.
This is an easy way to eliminate excess nodes.
Unless you are doing some really fine work, this method should be sufficient enough for you.
You can use the Simplify command multiple times on the same selected nodes.
Select a section to edit.
Click on nodes (squares), and delete them by hitting the Delete key after each selection. , As you can see, this one will need some tightening up.
It was created using a trackball, so precision work was difficult. , In this intentionally messed up image, the node is clearly visible.
Moving the square will move its location, and moving the two circular extensions off of it will adjust its Bezier curve segments.
You will have to experiment and read the Inkscape manual to get the hang of it.
To get the basic shape of your image, move the nodes (squares) to the correct places before doing further adjustments.
You will find yourself adjusting the curves, but moving the nodes first makes it easier.
You can click on a segment connecting two nodes and adjust the line. , Be aware that you can zoom in too close.
Some parts of your image may require you to be very close, but others might need your perspective to be a little further out. , Click on the Select and transform tool icon, or press F1:
Click on the photo and move it over to the side.
You will probably want to keep it nearby for future reference. , Click on the Select and transform tool icon:
Select the entire image, and 'unionize' it.
Click on Path > Union.
Hold down CTRL and ++ simultaneously. , Select it (or it may still be selected) and then choose the color at the bottom of the screen and click on it. , You won't be actually painting your image yet, but finding out where any gaps or holes are.
If it won't fill, it isn't 'bounded' and it needs more work on the nodes. ,, This image is a traced vector outline from the flower above. , Go into Document Properties to resize the image . , This image has been tripled in size with no loss of resolution or pixels. , You may have to use another program to get your finer adjustments.
About the Author
Melissa Wilson
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow pet care tutorials.
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