Detect lines of scanned images?

[SURVEI]

Hi Talk Graphics forum,

I've been doing graphic design without computer software and now I'm trying out Xara Xtreme.

I was wondering if it is possible to import an image that is a pencil on paper outline, and then turn that into a computer-generated image. Is there a way for Xara to see the lines and draw along my pencil-drawn lines?

Basically, I want to turn the attached image into a logo. What is the best way to do this?

Thanks,

Survei

[handrawn]

Hi welcome to TG

the best way is to redraw in xara xtreme, tracing over your design with the shape editor or pen tool

there is an automatic trace tool [bitmap tracer]- but the sketch you have provided is too faint for this to work properly I think, it would be better with more solid line / ink

there are alternative tracers around

here is a link for xara bitmap tracer tutorial which you can download:
http://xhris.digitalred.net/index.ph...tmap%20Tracer/

[-=Drifter=-]

Survei, welcome to the forum. Xara Xtreme is the greatest vector drawing program around and will provide you with a lifetime of fun and graphic accomplishments. (No, I don't work for Xara.) In less than two minutes I made the "S", and had fun doing it.

[SURVEI]

Thank you to both of you! The image I provided was actually a rough draft so in my final draft I'll scan an image that is done in jet-black ink real cleanly and see if that works. If not, well I can trace it with my mouse like you said.

This is on white paper, so I'm afraid it might end up being on a white rectangle for a background. Is there any way to make that part of the picture transparent?

[handrawn]

Bob has retraced your drawing S I would think with shape editor or pen tool - so there is no background there just the letters

using the bitmap tracer - yes the background can be removed

if you want to make the background of the scan transparent - apply a stained glass transparency to the scan image

[-=Drifter=-]

No problem, because you are drawing individual vector shapes and not a background.

[iamtheblues]

If you don't need the rough look of the sketch,
you can draw the whole thing in Xara Xtreme very easily.
The font I've used is AG Book Rounded Bold Outline.
You can fit the text so it goes around a circle, and hand
tracing the design inside the circle is best done with
the shape editor tool.
saludos,
Bob.

[raynerj1]

Here is a quick play with your sketch...

Adjusted the drawing to black and white with the photo tool

Created a bitmap copy at 300DPI

Traced it...

Deleted the background

subtracted the fill of the text from the background

resized it to 300x305

Threw is on the forum background and exported it as a tranparent gif..

[Xhris]

Thank you to both of you! The image I provided was actually a rough draft so in my final draft I'll scan an image that is done in jet-black ink real cleanly and see if that works. If not, well I can trace it with my mouse like you said.

This is on white paper, so I'm afraid it might end up being on a white rectangle for a background. Is there any way to make that part of the picture transparent?

You can also make the background transparent by applying the Mehdi eraser classic Live Effect to the bitmap.

Regarding tracing (I wrote the tutorial referenced to you), the higher the resolution of the bitmap image you are tracing, the better the result will be. For tracing line drawings however, I would recommend VectorMagic (which is now not free) over Xara's tracer. Xara's tracer produces images with a structure that is best for replicating full colour images. It is still possible to trace line art in Xara--as the tutorial shows, but the results are less ideal.