How to Convert a Simple Image into Vector in Adobe Illustrator

Cover image: AI-generated editorial concept; not a customer project or production proof.

To convert a simple image into vector in Adobe Illustrator, place the image in a document, lock it on a reference layer and redraw its shapes with the Pen tool. Then hide the original, refine the paths and save the artwork in a suitable vector format. Image Trace provides an automatic alternative, with cleanup needed before handoff. Adobe documents both Pen tool drawing and Image Trace controls.

This beginner workflow covers document setup through the finished file, with screen printing and digital artwork in mind. Start with a clear sketch, icon or simple logo that you have permission to use.

Before you begin

Choose the clearest original available. A design with distinct edges and a few solid colors is a manageable first project. A detailed photograph needs more interpretation, especially if you want to simplify it into flat shapes.

Vector artwork describes shapes with paths. Placing or embedding a JPG or PNG in Illustrator leaves it as a pixel image until you trace or redraw it. Vector paths can scale independently of the source image’s pixel resolution. See Adobe’s artwork essentials.

Keep an untouched copy of your source and decide the intended output size before drawing.

1. Open Illustrator and set up the artboard

Launch Adobe Illustrator on your computer.

Choose File > New to create your working document. Setting it up first lets you draw directly in the intended layout.

Name the document

Use a descriptive name, such as “Panda artwork master,” so you can distinguish your editable artwork from later delivery copies.

Choose dimensions and orientation

Enter the artboard width, height and units. Use inches or millimeters for a physical print brief, or pixels when planning a screen layout. Portrait is taller than it is wide; landscape is wider than it is tall.

Set color and raster effects options

Choose RGB for screen artwork. For print, ask the printer which color mode and profile the job requires. Screen printing may use named spot colors, so choosing CMYK alone does not finish the color setup.

The document’s raster effects resolution concerns pixel-based effects. Increasing it does not make vector paths smoother or restore missing detail in the source image. PPI means pixels per inch; it is relevant to raster content at its output size.

Adobe explains these settings in its document preset instructions. Its color separation guidance explains process and spot colors and recommends consulting the print shop.

2. Open or place your image, then check embedding

File > Open opens the source as a document. To bring the image into the artboard you just created, use File > Place instead.

Locate the image on your computer. When placing it, select the file, choose Place and position it on your artboard.

What does embedding an image do?

Embedding stores the image within the Illustrator document, reducing dependence on a separate linked source file. It does not convert pixels into paths.

If the placed image is linked, open Window > Links, select its entry and choose Embed Image(s) from the panel menu. An image that is already embedded does not need embedding again. Check its status in the Links panel rather than relying only on selection marks on the canvas. Follow Adobe’s embedding instructions.

Size and position the reference before locking it. Keep its proportions intact so the redraw follows the intended shape.

3. Create a separate tracing layer

Open Window > Layers. Rename the layer containing the image “Reference,” then lock it using the lock column beside that layer.

Click Create New Layer, name it “Vector artwork” and position it above the reference. Select this new layer before drawing.

Think of the upper layer as tracing paper. You draw new objects above the image while keeping the reference stationary. Creating a layer does not automatically lock the layer below it; you must lock the reference yourself. Adobe’s layers overview explains visibility, locking and organization.

4. Trace the main shapes with the Pen tool

Work on one clear shape at a time. Begin with the largest outline, then add smaller features. Temporarily using no fill and a contrasting stroke can help you see the reference beneath your path.

Select the Pen tool, or press P.

The Pen tool draws paths using anchor points and direction handles. Place points where the outline changes direction instead of clicking along every pixel.

Draw corners and curves

1. Click to place the first anchor point.

2. Click again to create a straight segment.

3. Click and drag where you need a curve; the direction handles control its shape.

4. Continue around the outline.

5. Click the first anchor point to close a shape that should have a continuous boundary.

These controls are illustrated in Adobe’s Pen tool guide.

Add the smaller details

Return to the Pen tool for each separate feature.

Apply the intended fills and remove temporary tracing strokes where they are unnecessary. Use the Direct Selection tool (A) to adjust individual points and handles. Compare the drawing with the reference as you work, especially around tight corners and small gaps.

Hide the reference layer periodically. This makes it easier to notice missing shapes, uneven curves or unintended overlaps without the original image disguising them.

When Image Trace is a useful alternative

For a clear image with distinct color regions, try automatic tracing on a separate copy:

1. Select the raster image.

2. Open Window > Image Trace.

3. Choose a preset appropriate to the artwork and preview the result.

4. Adjust the settings while checking edges and small details.

5. Choose Expand when satisfied to obtain editable vector paths.

Inspect the result for unwanted background shapes and lost details. Adobe explains that Expand makes the trace editable in its Image Trace panel reference.

Manual tracing gives you direct control over the rebuilt contours. Automatic tracing can provide a useful starting point; choose based on the result you need and the cleanup involved.

5. Inspect and save the vector artwork

Hide the raster reference and review the artwork both enlarged and at its intended size. Select individual shapes to confirm that the finished design contains editable paths.

Look for missing features, stray objects, accidental background rectangles and curves that need adjustment. For transparent areas, check the artwork against a contrasting background so unwanted white shapes are visible.

Save an editable AI master using File > Save As. Supply a separate copy in the format the recipient requests, such as PDF, EPS or SVG. Illustrator supports these saving formats, but format choices can affect editing information and appearance. See Adobe’s saving documentation.

Reopen the delivery copy and check its appearance and objects. An SVG, PDF or EPS extension alone does not prove that its contents are entirely vector; these formats can include raster content.

Prepare a clear print handoff

For buyers working with printers in the US, Canada or UK, state dimensions with units—for example, “4 inches wide” or “100 mm wide.” Include the intended process, required colors, accepted file format and a visual proof.

For screen printing, ask who will prepare the color separations and whether the artwork needs further adjustments. A completed trace is a starting point for production preparation. Adobe’s separation guidance describes the additional color and prepress decisions involved.

If you need help rebuilding your image, explore DigitEMB’s raster-to-vector service. Supply the clearest reference, final dimensions and intended use so the work can be assessed.

Useful Illustrator shortcuts

These default shortcuts keep the basic workflow accessible. Customized keyboard settings may differ. See Adobe’s keyboard shortcut reference.

Practice with a simple design

Repeat the workflow with an original sketch containing a few bold shapes. Save the source and finished paths separately so you can compare your tracing decisions.

When practicing with downloaded artwork, check its permitted uses and inspect the actual file contents. A PNG is a raster image even when it is offered alongside SVG, EPS or PDF versions.

Frequently asked questions

Does embedding a JPG make it vector?

No. Embedding keeps the image inside the document. You still need to redraw or trace it to create vector paths. See Adobe’s embedding guidance.

Why can’t I draw on my tracing layer?

Check that the upper artwork layer is selected, visible and unlocked. Keep only the reference layer locked while tracing. The controls are explained in Adobe’s layers overview.

Should I increase PPI before tracing?

Use the clearest original available. Raising a resolution setting does not reconstruct missing source detail. The finished vector contours depend on the paths you create, as explained by the raster and vector distinction in Adobe’s artwork essentials.

Which vector format should I send to my printer?

Ask the printer which format and settings it accepts. Keep your AI master, then prepare and reopen the requested delivery copy to check it. Adobe’s saving guide explains the available formats.