Inkscape: How to Trace Bitmap

Inkscape is a Vector Graphics program which allows you to create infinitely zoomable images using paths. Programs like PhotoShop or GIMP are Raster Graphic (also called bitmap) programs which create images using pixels (colored dots on the screen). The main advantage to Vectors over Bitmaps is that they can be zoomed without loosing quality.
You could manually trace over a bitmap, but Inkscape has a built-in method to convert Bitmaps to Paths. It is the "Trace Bitmap" option in the "Path" menu (or Shift+Alt+B). Trace Bitmap does not work well for complex images.

To use a bitmap in Inkscape, drag and drop it into Inkscape from the containing folder. Choose "Embed" or "Link" (link means you need the original image file in tact, so choose Embed) and click OK.
Click the bitmap, click the "Path" menu and choose "Trace Bitmap"

Single-scan is best for black and white images (1 path)
-Brightness Cutoff: change Threshold to select what part of the image to trace
-Edge Detection: traces around your image leaving the center empty
-Color Quantization: isn't very helpful, similar to Brightness Cutoff

Multiple Scans is best for colored images (grouped paths)
-Brightness Steps: doesn't seem to work for colored images
-Colors: traces with colors, change # of scans and add one to # of colors in the image
-Grays: almost same as Colors, just does grayscale rendition

[organicman]

The clearest tutorial I have encountered on this topic - thank you! ....and oh!! no funky music in the background! ...double thank you!

[anneclewlow]

Best explanation I have seen so far on YouTube and I have watched ALOT!!!

[chade]

You should make more videos for inkscape. Clear and to the point.

[BusJustice]

I gleaned exactly what I needed from this vid while designing my next tattoo. Thank you so much for being plenty clear and to the point.

[mauricemartinez]

Certainly the best tutorial video, with explination speech I've watched.
You sounded clear, enunciated your words fully, spoke confidentially, and correctly identified what you were going to discuss, basically, you took care of business. Perfect, for who I assume your key audience will be. #ManyThanks @TanUV90 #BeWell

[austin]

Thank god I found this video. I was about to pull my hair out. I've been working getting a file ready for CNC machine sense 7 am (Its 7 PM now). THANK

[SpaceKingDinosaur]

Really super well explained! Your examples make the concepts quickly easy to understand. Thank you!

[jeffchapman]

Very clear. Well-demonstrated. Exactly what I needed (as well). Thank you very much!

[devanchandrasekher]

Thanks a heap! I found your presentation clear, free of flab and very useful.

[devpha]

Brilliant tutorial! I have learned those concepts by watching your short excellent video! Thank you!

[TheOddWad]

This is by far the most helpful video of this that I have found. Thank you! :)

[Aristaeus]

@2:50 You do have 5 colors, including the white background.

[VincentArboriste]

Thank you so much for this simple video. Saved my a headache.

[rapatil]

Very nicely explained, but sometimes jerky and jumping audio. But otherwise very useful video for beginners who want to self learn. Thanks a lot.

[jobuen]

Thank you for this now ik what this trace bitmap

[sroger]

Great Job.  Exactly what I was looking for. . Thanks!

[devpha]

Maybe whether ungroup is available is related to the complexity of the bitmap.

My result has no ungroup option too.

I did this by:

1. Click on the generated path (first move away the select and confirm it is the generated path by zooming in. If you see it smooth, there it is).
2. Path->break apart.
3. Select the nodes of individual object.
4. Path->combine path.
5. Repeat 3 to 4 for all those objects you want them together.
6. Done!

[RallycrossGT]

what an amazing video!! this is quite helpful for trying to convert logos into SVG. my main issue is with the final file size. I cannot get them to be under 15KB most of the time

[DaSmokeDaddy]

Excellent video, thanks very much. When I trace a bitmap drawing I get a double line since Inkscape traces the outsides of all lines. Is it possible to get a single line trace with Inkscape?

[emgab]

Excellent video explanation - Thanks for sharing - btw, to dont miss your other videos i subribed to your great channel