Vectorization

If you do not have a digital file of your graphic but you have access to an item with the graphic printed on, embroidered on, tattooed on, or otherwise visible on an item, we may be able to reproduce your image in multiple formats including vector AI, CDR, EPS, SVG and more. Take a photo of the item with the graphic on it and email it to us. A scan of the item would work much better because there won't be any distortion* but we can also work with a photo as a last resort. *Distortion Problems When using a photograph of a graphic as a reference, rather than a flat scan, the photographs will show the graphic in perspective (distorted). We will have to guess as to how the artwork might have looked originally. If at all possible, a flat scan of the product with the graphic on it will work best. If a scan is not available, we can still try to correct any distortion but the new graphic we create will most likely not be identical to your original file if we do not...

There are two main type of image files: Raster and Vector. Raster images are created with pixel-based programs or captured with a camera or scanner. They are more common in general such as jpg, gif, png, and are widely used on the web. Vector graphics are created with vector software and are common for images that will be applied onto a physical product. Also used in CAD, engineering, and 3D graphics. When using a raster program you paint an image and it's similar to dipping a brush in paint and painting. You can blend colors to soften the transition from one color to another. When using a vector program you draw the outline of shapes: and it's similar to creating an image with tiles of all different shapes and sizes. e.g. an eye shape, a nose shape, a lip shape. These shapes called objects display one single color each. A lot of images can be made with either raster or vector program and look exactly the same on both programs. Images with a subtle gradation of one col...

Manual vectorization with soft color blends Here is an example of a recent vectorization from photo to vector (raster to vector). This drawing was for screen printing and, for this particular project, it didn't have to be drawn using only vectors. In addition to drawing with vectors, some vector graphics programs also have tools that allow you to use pixel-based, raster (non-vector) elements such as soft color blends & shading/highlights. A graphic that is created with a vector drawing program but also includes pixel-based smooth color blends and soft shading is not a 100% vector graphic, or a true vector graphic; it contains both raster and vector elements. See Raster vs Vector Photographs are raster graphics made with pixels: a multitude of different color pixels create a realistic image. Vector graphics are drawings made with objects: lines and curves that create shapes. When a photo is vectorized, it means a drawing of the photo is being made and, i n mo...

The only thing I know about engraving is that the vector artwork needs to be created in black and white line-art, and depending on the size of the actual engraving, real small detail should be avoided. There is actually a lot of small detail on the image below and I was sure the engraver was going to reject it but the plaque must have been large enough to hold all the detail.  Some challenges may arise when changing a multi-color image to black and white LINEART (not black and white grayscale ). Elements in the graphic will no longer be defined by different color or shades of gray, they have to be black or white only and you will have to decide which elements are black and which elements are white. Using outlines instead of fills usually works to separate two objects of similar color. When images are on a color background, removing the background may make the overall feel of the image look different. After playing around with these ele...