HELP ME: Bitmap Tracer

**513craig** · 10 March 2009, 03:21 PM

Hello everyone. Ive got a problem.
i am new to xtreme but moderate pimp at xara3d

i want to create a vector of the black area in the t-shirt image attached
so i can import it as a shape in Xara3d.

i tried to use the bitmap tracer and didnt get the results i wanted

Q: am i useing the correct tool for this job?
Q: what is the easiest way to create a vector from a bitmap useing the image i have provided.
Q: what is the bitmap tracer used for? if not what im trying to use it for.

i dont expect or want someone to do this for me.
i really want to learn how its done.

**handrawn** · 10 March 2009, 03:25 PM

the easiest way is to trace round the outside with one of the pen tools to make a closed shape - job done

**handrawn** · 10 March 2009, 03:39 PM

using the bitmap tracer in xtreme I got the attached [greyscale trace - need to experiment with the settings] its a group - you would need to ungroup it to get the shape[s] you want

the jagged lines are because it is a low resolution image - around 300dpi would be better

**513craig** · 10 March 2009, 03:39 PM

thanks for the fast reply. only been posted for 4 min so far
ive tried that method and its (for me) not real accurate / clean

anyone else got any tips?

**ss-kalm** · 10 March 2009, 03:41 PM

As Steve said earlier. Draw round it ... with such a simple shape it's by far the easiest (and cleanest) way.

**handrawn** · 10 March 2009, 03:42 PM

use inkscape to tracer if you are limited to 96dpi - but you will need to have a version of xtreme that can import an inkscape pdf save [eg xtreme pro 4]

there is vector magic - but that's not free ...

**Spinny** · 10 March 2009, 03:53 PM

For a one-off job I think Vector Magic will let you do two images with the online interface before you have to start paying for it. Probably an abuse of the policy to use it that way but there it is.

**513craig** · 10 March 2009, 04:04 PM

thank you to everyone who helped with suggestions on this

i used the pen tool afterall and here is my result

**iamtheblues** · 10 March 2009, 04:05 PM

Nice job. I just used the default settings of Xtreme's bitmap tracer.
As Steve said, you have to ungroup it, select the white background and delete it. There are a few uneven pieces that can be selected and deleted to tidy it up.
It's not essential to make any adjustments to the tracer for a 2 colour graphic with high contrast colours, unless you need a hi-fidelity vector of the original bitmap.
Saludos,
Bob.