tracing a photo in Ph&GrDesigner 6

[grassgrown]

I'm trying to use the app in Win7 to simplify a photo as an enlarged model for a painting. All too often, I get the Win7 "working" doughnut that goes on forever and have to start again, but sometimes I do get a simplified PNG (or JPG). I tap "trace" in the tracing box, and when "insert" appears, I apply it. But what am I inserting? Where is the vector image? Where is (now) the bitmap I've apparently traced? How can I seize the vector image (if there is one) and enlarge it, then convert it to a .png and move it to PhotoShop? Does the photo dpi matter? (I use 180dpi)

I'm deaf, so a video with sound and no titles is beyond me. But if one of you can provide basic instruction, I'd be grateful.

Grassgrown

[gwpriester]

Welcome to TalkGraphics

When you trace a photo, Xara creates a whole bunch of vector shapes and when you press Insert the bunch of vector shapes is pasted into the page as a group.

You can resize the vector group by specifying the desired size on the Infobar Width or Height boxes and pressing Enter.

[MEB]

Hello Grassgrown,

The process works like this:
- inside Xara select the photo you want to trace
- go to menu Utilites-> Bitmap Tracer...
- the Bitmap Tracer Dialog appears, use the sliders on bottom to adjust the tracing settings (if needed) and press the trace button
- when you are happy with the preview, press insert button
- as soon as you press insert button the vector objects are placed in the canvas as a group, as Gary pointed out
- you should now have the original bitmap you started with (below) and the new group of vector objects on top
- if you want to export the traced group as a PNG to insert in Photoshop, select it go to File-> Export PNG...

If you still have trouble post again.
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