How to Convert a Pixel Image to a Vector Image Using Inkscape

This is a simple Instructable on how to change pixel images to a vector image using Inkscape.

Note: that my specific settings are not a requirement, this simply shows you how it is done but you may play around with your own settings that will enable a vector image of your own preference.

Step 1: Open Image File in Inkscape

Select the image you'd like to use, either drag it from its file location onto Inkscape.

Or Click file> open> then select image.

You can use any image you want, I found and saved this image of a cow from Google Images.

Step 2: Select Image

select your image using the "Select tool".

This needs to be done if we want our editing to apply to the image.

If the right tool is used the image will appear to have a dotted line border.

Step 3: Path> Trace Bitmap

Click Path> Trace Bitmap

This will open up the settings that will enable vector imaging for our image.

Step 4: Editing- Brightness Cutoff

Under Single Scan:

Select "brightness cutoff" and set Threshold to "0.500"

Be sure to Click "Ok" to apply the settings for every individual setting.

Step 5: Brightness Steps

Under Multi Scans:

Select "Brightness Steps" and set Scans to "8"

Again Click "Ok" to apply the settings.

Step 6: Colors

Under Multi Scans:

Select "Colors" and set Scans to "7"

Don't forget to Click "Ok" to apply the settings.

And you're done Congratulations!. You can now zoom into your image without loss of resolution or risk of pixelation and that is the advantage of a vector image. Take a look at Step 7 for comparison.

Step 7: Side by Side Comparison

In the beginning, I had copied and placed my images side by side for comparison; only editing one of the images.

Here you can see as I zoom into the point where the two image borders meet the left image begins to lose resolution and pixelate, whereas our edited image on the right has zero loss in resolution and no pixelation.

This is the advantage of "Vector images" and so it is preferable for graphic designers as they tend to edit and resize images.