How to Perform Image Tracing in Affinity Designer

Edited 1 month ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Image tracing is a method used to convert raster images, which are made up of pixels, into vector images, which are made up of paths. This is extremely helpful if you want to scale an image without losing quality because vector images can be resized an infinite number of times without losing detail. Affinity Designer, a popular graphic design software, provides users with tools that simplify the process of image tracing. Below, we'll walk through the steps on how to perform image tracing in Affinity Designer, explain important concepts, and provide helpful tips and tricks to make your tracing as simple and accurate as possible.

Getting started with Affinity Designer

Before diving into image tracing, it is important to familiarize yourself with the interface of Affinity Designer. Once you open the software, you will find the main toolbar at the top, the context toolbar just below it, and tool panels on the left and right sides. Document settings and other important options can be accessed from the 'File' and 'Edit' menus.

Affinity Designer supports both raster and vector design environments, which can be selected from the Persona toolbar located at the top left of the workspace. Designer Persona focuses on vector tools, while Pixel Persona offers raster tools.

Why image tracing is useful

Image tracing is important in a variety of design scenarios. Whether you're rebranding a logo that only exists in low-resolution pixel format or you need to extend a raster-based icon set into vector format for a different project, being able to perform effective image tracing can significantly increase versatility and quality.

Preparation: Choosing an image

Selecting a suitable image is the first step in image tracing. Let's look at some guidelines for choosing the ideal image for tracing:

• High contrast: Select images with high contrast between shapes or colors. This makes it easier to trace paths that align closely with your source image.
• Clear edges: Images with clear, defined edges are easier to detect because paths can be more easily recognized.
• Small details: Avoid images with a lot of small details, as these can be difficult to trace manually and can make the vector image look cluttered.

Steps to trace an image in Affinity Designer

Once you've selected a suitable image, follow these steps to trace it:

Step 1: Import the image

Start by importing your selected image into Affinity Designer. Go to the 'File' menu and select 'Place', or simply drag the image file into your work document. Make sure the image is the correct size and positioned in your workspace.

Step 2: Lock the image layer

Lock the layer containing your image to prevent accidental adjustments while tracing. Right-click on the image layer in the Layers panel and select 'Lock'. This will ensure that the base image remains unchanged.

Step 3: Use the Pen Tool

The Pen Tool is your primary tool for tracing images in Affinity Designer. It allows you to manually plot lines and curves, giving you maximum control over your vector paths.

1. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar or press P on your keyboard.
2. Click the starting point of the line or curve you want to trace.
3. Continue clicking along the path of your image, creating nodes as you go. For curves, click and drag to adjust the handles of the curve before moving to the next point.
4. When the path is complete, press Enter or click the starting point to close the path.

Repeat the above steps for all the major outlines of your image.

Step 4: Refine your path

After creating your paths, use the Node Tool (A) to adjust individual nodes and handles for greater precision. Select a node to edit its position or curve. Adjusting the handles can modify the tension and shape of the curve for optimal alignment with your source image.

Step 5: Add color

After you've determined the paths, add color to your vector shapes:

• Select the path using the Move Tool (V).
• Choose the Fill tool (bucket icon) or use the color chooser in the Color panel.
• Click the swatch to set the fill color. You can also adjust the stroke color and weight in the Stroke panel.

For a consistent look, maintain a similar color palette in your tracing.

Advanced techniques for image tracing

Using the Pencil Tool for freehand tracing

For more organic tracery, use the Pencil tool in Affinity Designer:

1. Select the Pencil tool from the toolbar or press N
2. Draw a continuous line just above your image for a freehand path.
3. Adjust the line smoothness using the context toolbar to control how much smoothness is applied to the paths you draw.

Freehand tracing is ideal for images with less defined edges.

Using the Vector Brush Tool

The Vector Brush tool is perfect for artistic tracery with customizable stroke styles:

1. Select the Vector Brush Tool from the toolbar.
2. In the Brushes panel, select a brush style that suits your design.
3. Draw on the image. Adjust the width and uniformity settings as needed.

This approach is excellent for patterns and stylized illustrations, where texture adds visual interest.

Exporting your vector image

When tracing and refining are complete, export your vector image:

1. Go to the 'File' menu and select 'Export.'
2. Choose your preferred export format (e.g., SVG, PDF, EPS) depending on your end use.
3. Adjust export settings as needed, making sure the vector data remains intact.
4. Click on ‘Export’ and save it to your desired location.

Conclusion

Mastering image tracing in Affinity Designer opens up a world of design possibilities, making high-quality vector illustrations possible from raster images. By understanding the key tools and techniques, you can efficiently convert almost any image into a scalable vector format. Whether to enhance a logo or recreate an icon, honing these skills will greatly enhance your design portfolio.

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