Vectors and SVG

How do I convert an image to SVG?

Short answer

To convert an image to SVG, you trace it: software finds the edges and areas of colour in a PNG or JPEG and redraws them as vector paths. Logos, icons and flat illustrations with clear shapes convert best. Photos convert poorly, because their detail becomes thousands of tiny shapes. In Cutlin, attach a picture and ask for it as a vector.

How tracing converts an image to SVG, and what to expect from the result.

What converts well

Tracing groups similar colours into shapes, so the cleaner the source, the cleaner the SVG. These convert best:

Logos and wordmarks
Icons and simple illustrations
Flat graphics with a few solid colours
High-contrast drawings and sketches

Getting a clean result

Start from the largest, sharpest copy you have, ideally on a plain background. If the picture is small or blurry, find a better copy first: tracing can only follow the edges it can see. After converting, check fine details such as thin lines and small text, which tracing can simplify.

Converting with Cutlin

In Cutlin, attach a picture to your prompt and ask for it as a vector. Convert to vector traces it into an SVG you can download and edit, for 3 credits. If you would rather redraw it from a description, ask for a new vector instead, for 10 credits.

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