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<Yes — Illustrator is a vector-native environment and one of the standard tools for reconstructing vector geometry from raster images such as PNG or JPG. However, this is not a literal file conversion. Illustrator does not “transform pixels into vectors” automatically. Instead, it rebuilds shapes as paths using tracing algorithms or manual drawing tools.
Critical baseline:
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PNG → raster (pixel-based)
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Illustrator → vector-native
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EPS / AI / SVG / PDF → containers (vector not guaranteed)
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Image Trace → automated geometric reconstruction
Exporting to EPS only produces a vector file if actual paths have been generated.
Structural reality of Image Trace
Image Trace is frequently described as “easy vectorization”, but technically it performs algorithmic shape approximation. The output may resemble the original image visually while containing inefficient or unstable geometry.
Common tracing artefacts:
✗ Node inflation
✗ Irregular curves
✗ Fragmented shapes
✗ Micro-path noise
For production-grade vectors, tracing is usually a starting point rather than a finished result.
Step-by-step tutorial — Convert PNG to vector using Image Trace
Step 1 — Place the PNG correctly
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Open Illustrator
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File → Place… → select PNG
Avoid copy-paste workflows.
Why: placed images preserve predictable scale behavior and avoid hidden transformations.
Step 2 — Inspect raster quality before tracing
Zoom to 200–400%.
Check for:
✓ Sharp edges
✓ Compression artefacts
✓ Noise / texture
✓ Small details that may distort
Why: tracing engines convert visual transitions into vector geometry. Raster defects become path defects.
Step 3 — Open Image Trace controls
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Select the image
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Window → Image Trace
Important nuance:
The initial result is a preview, not vector geometry.
Step 4 — Select tracing mode deliberately
Choose based on artwork structure:
✓ Black & White → line art / simple logos
✓ Color → flat multi-color graphics
✓ Grayscale → tonal imagery (often inefficient)
Why: tracing mode defines segmentation logic.
Step 5 — Adjust Image Trace parameters cautiously
Key controls affecting geometry:
Threshold / Colors
→ Determines shape detection behavior
Paths
→ Accuracy vs anchor point count
Corners
→ Corner interpretation logic
Noise
→ Suppresses micro-artifacts
Typical failure mode:
✗ Excessively high fidelity → excessive nodes and unstable curves
Why: vector stability is more important than pixel-perfect imitation.
Step 6 — Expand into real vector paths
Click Expand
(or Object → Image Trace → Expand)
What changes technically:
✓ Preview becomes vector objects
✓ Paths and nodes generated
✓ Geometry becomes editable
Without Expand, no vector structure exists.
Step 7 — Perform geometric cleanup (critical step)
Tracing commonly produces structural issues:
✗ Excess anchor points
✗ Fragmented objects
✗ Stray micro-paths
✗ Curve instability
Cleanup actions:
✓ Delete artefacts
✓ Merge logical shapes
✓ Simplify cautiously
✓ Correct curves manually
Why: production workflows depend on clean geometry, not visual similarity.
Step 8 — Quality control via Outline View
Switch to View → Outline.
Inspect:
✓ Node density
✓ Path continuity
✓ Curve smoothness
✓ Hidden artefacts
Why: visual preview hides geometric problems.
Step 9 — Save/export as vector
Best practice:
✓ Save editable master → AI
✓ Export delivery format → EPS / PDF / SVG
Important nuance:
Vector extension ≠ vector quality.
When Image Trace is insufficient
For logos, typography, and precision-critical artwork, manual reconstruction with the Pen Tool typically yields superior geometry:
✓ Clean Bézier curves
✓ Minimal nodes
✓ Stable paths
✓ Predictable production behavior
Image Trace approximates; manual reconstruction defines.
Benefits (technically framed)
✓ Rapid starting point for vector reconstruction
✓ Full control over vector formats (EPS / AI / SVG / PDF)
✓ Editable geometric paths (after Expand + cleanup)
✓ Suitable for print / cutting workflows when geometry is clean
Cons (real-world constraints)
✗ Subscription licensing cost
✗ Learning curve for path logic and QC
✗ Tracing output often requires cleanup
✗ Manual reconstruction time-intensive
✗ Poor tracing settings produce unstable geometry
Practical conclusion
Illustrator can generate true vector files from PNG images, but vector quality is determined by path structure and cleanup discipline, not by Image Trace alone or file format selection.
