2 Easy Ways to Convert JPG to SVG (Vector)

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Easily transform raster artwork into scalable, editable vectors
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Vector graphics are the ideal format for logos and illustrations due to their clear lines and contours. Because they are created with equations instead of pixels, vectors can be rescaled to any size without losing clarity. While most vector images are created from scratch, you can use image editing programs to "trace" JPG images and convert them to vectors . This wikiHow article teaches you how to convert a JPG to a vector image on a computer or mobile.

How to Convert Pictures to Vector Format

Upload your JPG to Adobe’s free conversion tool to convert it, then make an account to download it. If you have Adobe Illustrator, you can also convert it using the Tracing function.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Adobe Express

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  1. Go to https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/convert/jpg-to-svg . SVG is the file extension for vector graphics. You can convert your JPG to an SVG file for free using your desktop or mobile web browser!
    • This is a free service offered by Adobe.
  2. Click or tap Upload your photo or drag and drop your image file to the box. [1]
    • As soon as you upload the file, it will begin converting to SVG.
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  3. There will be a preview of your converted image on the left side of the window so you can see it before you download it.
    • The file will immediately be downloaded to your computer. By default, this is your Downloads folder.
    • If you want to further edit your photo with Adobe Express, click the other options on the page that say Remove background , Resize image , Crop image , Convert to PNG , or Convert to JPG .
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Adobe Illustrator

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  1. According to social media and graphic design expert Shari Fairclough, Adobe Illustrator is the easiest way to convert JPGs into SVGs using the trace function. Illustrator is not free, but you can install a trial from https://www.adobe.com . If you have this application, you'll find it in the Windows Start menu or your Mac's Applications folder.
  2. You can do this from the File > Place menu or by dragging the file to the workspace.
  3. You can do this by clicking the Window menu, selecting Workspace , and then choosing Tracing . You'll see the "Image Trace" panel appear on the right side. [2]
  4. The tracing options in the Image Trace panel will become active.
  5. This will allow you to see what the different settings will do before applying them, but it will increase the time between making changes.
    • You can toggle the Preview option on or off at any point. If you leave the Preview enabled, the image will trace automatically after each change you make. If not, you'll have to click the Trace button to see your changes.
  6. There are five preset buttons along the top of the panel, and more presets are available in the drop-down menu. The top row of buttons include the following presets:
    • Auto Color - Creates a stylized set of colors based on the original colors.
    • High Color - Attempts to recreate all of the original colors.
    • Low Color - Creates a simplified version of the original colors.
    • Grayscale - Replaces colors with shades of gray.
    • Black and White - Reduces colors to black and white.
  7. Images converted to vectors don't usually show well with all of their natural colors, so you'll get a better result by reducing the number of colors used. This will lead to a "flatter" look for the image. [3]
  8. You can do this by clicking the small triangle next to "Advanced." This will reveal more detailed controls for the trace. [4]
  9. Moving the slider to the left makes the paths looser, while sliding it to the right makes the paths tighter. A looser path will lead to smoother edges. [5]
  10. Moving the slider to the left will make the corners rounder, leading to a smoother image. [6]
  11. The Noise slider determines what groupings of pixels are considered "noise" and not included in the trace. This can help straighten lines and smooth out rough spots. [7]
  12. It's at the bottom-right corner of the Image Trace panel. If you enabled the Preview option earlier, the button will be grayed out because tracing already happened automatically.
  13. It's in the toolbar that runs along the top of Illustrator. [8] This will convert your tracing object into actual vector paths and will replace your JPG image with the vector.
  14. Once you're finished with the tracing, you can export the finished image as a vector file.
    • Click the File or Illustrator menu and select "Save As." [9]
    • Save a copy as an .ai file first. Select the Adobe Illustrator (*.AI) option, type a new name for the file, and then click Save . This will let you easily re-open the file in Illustrator and make more edits.
    • Return to File > Save As and select vector format from the "Save As Type" menu. These include SVG (for the web) and PDF (for printing).
    • Do not save the file as PNG or JPG, as these are not vector formats.
    • Click Save to save your file.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there a way to do this without Adobe Illustrator or GIMP?
    Community Answer
    You can use CorelDraw. Open the image with coreldraw and right click on top of it. Select outline trace.
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  • Question
    Is there a way to do this without paying or downloading anything?
    Community Answer
    No. You need to at least download either Gimp and Inkscape (free) or get Adobe Illustrator (paid).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 11
  • Question
    How do I save the vector image in CMYK?
    Community Answer
    In Illustrator, click on file in the menu bar and go down to document color and click CMYK. Then just save as an .ai file.
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      Tips

      • There are many other web apps that can convert a JPG to SVG, but most of them cost money. However, these apps usually let you preview the image before you need to pay to download it, so you can see if the result is better than Adobe Express's free result.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about using Adobe software, check out our in-depth interview with Shari Fairclough .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/convert/jpg-to-svg
      2. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/image-trace.html
      3. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/image-trace.html
      4. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/image-trace.html
      5. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/image-trace.html
      6. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/image-trace.html
      7. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/image-trace.html
      8. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/image-trace.html
      9. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/saving-artwork.html

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