The Complete Guide To Using Trace Bitmap in Inkscape

One of Inkscape's many handy uses is having the ability to auto generate vector tracings of any raster image you'd like. In this tutorial we'll be going over how to use Trace Bitmap in Inkscape so you can create quick and simple vector tracings of photos. This can be really use for making silhouettes, vector textures, and colorful cartoon-like renderings from your photographs.


Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:15 Pros and Cons
01:10 Open Trace Bitmap
01:26 Single Scan vs Multiple Scans
01:57 Creating Monotone Tracings
05:19 Creating Color Tracings
07:56 Options Settings
09:41 Conclusion

Intro song: "In Da Mood" by Combustibles, used with written permission

[aldernero]

I use Trace Bitmap quite a bit to convert photos into something I can plot with my AxiDraw pen plotter. I wasn't always sure what some of these options did. Thanks for the thorough and clear explanation!

[puregeek]

I'm looking at this at 2:30 am from India. No regrets😎🙌🏻

[aiyahuntacheimumbi]

This is exactly what I need to save time converting my Magna Doodle drawings into 2D Game Sprites! Thank you and the Devs!!

[fmphotooffice]

Crucial step: Prepare or optimize the bitmap in bitmap software first where you have much better control, before doing vector versions. Posterize filter, or exaggerate contrast, curves and levels carefully in Photoshop or Photopea with the vector versions you want in mind.

[makexroomvideogames]

I just worked through a simple project last night where I needed this video. Damn, Nick, what timing.

[chu]

I’ve been struggling to figure this out and this video helped so much, you’re a lifesaver man thank you

[TechieSewing]

I always feel that Trace Bitmap is more art than science so avoided it for a long time. But I played with it recently and found 0.75 Brightness cutoff is really good for b/w line drawings used in sewing so I can process these really quickly now.

[TheCocoaDaddy]

Thanks for posting this! I've used the trace bitmap function once or twice but really want to learn more about how it works and more importantly, how to use it properly. Thanks!

[juanvelezlopez]

How on earth are EVERY SINGLE ONE of your videos so good?

[traceface]

easily the clearest vid i've found on this process. thanks a million for the help!

[yemarican]

super awesome tutorial. I have been using inskape for a few years now and I love how sharp it makes the vector images. I use this feature to screen print super clear and sharp artwork on shirts and wood. it is priceless. thanks again.

[Skinny_Buddha]

I see why you have the most subs of people doing tutorials. Hands down the best

[TightEWhitey]

I love your tutorials! I have to play them in half speed but I appreciate how informative and concise they are

[CarolinaCaldas]

Thanks for sharing! Great explanation. Jus what I needed :)

[elinahafuka]

I found this feature great to combine with "simplify path " for creating some cartoon type characters! Just grab some photo of some interesting person and make simple cartoonized character!

[garystanullwich]

This video explains quite a bit. Thanks.

[Drax]

I'm using trace bitmat to get vector graphic of a simple graphic (like logo from game so I can scale it up to fit my desktop as wallpaper) and using autotrace (I think it's a new feature?) works very well.

[DrunkenLeaf]

God was hoping for one on the 24, would have released on my birthday lol

[tanalee]

I still don't care what you talk about. I just come to listen to your voice and the music. : )

Sort of just kidding. I love your voice and the music, but the info you give is always so helpful. Thank you for videos that keep on giving. (May 2023)

[mylittlepony]

This guy do be fueling the laser engraver community.