Converting bitmaps to vector graphics

The Trace Bitmap command converts a bitmap into a vector graphic with editable, discrete areas of color. This command lets you manipulate the image as a vector graphic; it is also useful if you want to reduce file size.

When you convert a bitmap to a vector graphic, the vector graphic is no longer linked to the bitmap symbol in the Library panel.

Note: If the imported bitmap contains complex shapes and many colors, the converted vector graphic may have a larger file size than the original bitmap. Try a variety of settings in the Trace Bitmap dialog box to find a balance between file size and image quality.

You can also break apart a bitmap in order to modify the image using Flash drawing and painting tools. See Breaking apart a bitmap.

To convert a bitmap to a vector graphic:

Select a bitmap in the current scene.
Select Modify > Bitmap > Trace Bitmap.
Enter a Color Threshold value between 1 and 500.
When two pixels are compared, if the difference in the RGB color values is less than the color threshold, the two pixels are considered the same color. As you increase the threshold value, you decrease the number of colors.
For Minimum Area, enter a value between 1 and 1000 to set the number of surrounding pixels to consider when assigning a color to a pixel.
For Curve Fit, select an option from the pop-up menu to determine how smoothly outlines are drawn.
For Corner Threshold, select an option from the pop-up menu to determine whether sharp edges are retained or smoothed out.
To create a vector graphic that looks most like the original bitmap, enter the following values:
- Color Threshold: 10
- Minimum Area: 1 pixel
- Curve Fit: Pixels
- Corner Threshold: Many Corners