Is there a "good" software program that will convert bitmaps to vectors? I have streamline but it is not that good. I know I can send my bitmaps to a few website and they will do it but sometimes I need them faster than overnight. Do all of you do your own conversions by hand or do you use a special software program? Thanks.
Posted by Stevo Chartrand (Member # 2094) on :
For me it depends on how complicated the vectorizing is. For something simple I'll just draw right over the bitmap in Corel or Omega.
For more complicated and detailed stuff I get out the light table (window) and trace it by hand,ink it, then scan it in and clean.
Personally, I've yet to see or hear of any really decent vectorizing program that wont require you to do a massive clean up on it.
Stevo
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Same way as Stevo here.
I tape the image to a digital tablet and draw over it. I find this faster in most cases than a trace, scan and clean up.
If any typefaces are involved, I usually just draw a "box" to indicate size and position. Then overlay the text afterwards. Even if they are not the exact same font, its quicker to type in and modify than tracing each letter.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
as above, but in answer to your question, Corel includes Trace, Flexi has it too, and Illy has it also. Each has certain benefits, bells & whistles, but learning the required settings for optimal speed & quality takes time, and frequently by the time you have tweaked their results, you could have done it freehand yourself- it all depends on the original, and the required output.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
In the past I haven't been comfortable letting tracing programs do my vector work because, after all the tweaking, I can draw something from scratch more quickly and accurately.
But, I am really impressed with the results I get from vectormagic.com. You upload your image to their site, make a few simple choices, and their software shows you the finished vector, which can be downloaded. Illustrator's Live Trace is a joke in comparison.
For those having trouble with the vector learning curve, I would highly recommend the Vector Magic service. You can pay a monthly fee, like $5, and get unlimited downloads, or, you can buy it as a standalone program. I think the price is $299. For clients who come in with a jpeg, but don't want to spend much money, we have started using this service, and it gives us great results.
Posted by Tom & Kathy Durham (Member # 776) on :
Again, depending on the artwork, I've done a few things that work pretty good. We posterize in omega. You have some control with deleting several colors and then posterize. This creates alot of vector shapes.
Posted by Mark Stokes (Member # 5351) on :
depends on the artwork if it is simple I will draw over the top, if it is complex will send it of to the vector doctor as it is ready to import in and do whatever i want.
Posted by Tony Ray Mattingly (Member # 469) on :
My signlab does a pretty good job.
Posted by James Chrimes (Member # 5864) on :
Here is a program that I have been looking at pretty seriously. It looks good to me but I have not found anyone else using it yet.
Apparently no one here has used Imagaro Z yet. We bought this program and absolutely love it. It has great features that really makes cleaning up much easier, like you build a font base in Imagaro Z of the fonts you own, not just the ones that are on your system, but everything you have on CD. It doesn't matter what the name is, it compares it to the outline files. Another is repeating objects. If you have a bunch of identical objects, you make or pick the one thats best or fixed and it will replace all the other objects with the chosen one. It keeps a colored vector dimmed in the background so you can hand fix vectors using the original file. I have vectored art that started out fairly decent that Imagaro did such a good job that it didn't need any tweaking at all. That never happened with Streamline or Flexi. It has too many features to mention here, but if you contact Steve Boek, you can arrange a live (on your computer screen) demo even using your art if you like. They are merchants here so just click on the merchant page for more info. It kills me how many people in Letterville blanketly state that there are no "really good" vectorizing programs out there. Imagaro Z is leaps and bounds ahead of the others.
Posted by Cis Pack (Member # 2011) on :
Thanks Jim. I am going to take a look at that one. Thanks to everyone that has offered suggestions. I do a lot of race cars and they are not that easy to do. Have a great week.
Posted by Cis Pack (Member # 2011) on :
Dave, I just looked at that program and it looks super. I am going to try the free dwonload before I buy anything. Thanks, again everyone.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Cynthia, the test program is a great idea. It is fully functional, you just can't export your final result. Only one problem though. We really didn't discover the true potential of Imagaro Z until we really started working with it with the instruction book open. A lot of what works is kinda hidden until you do the proper first step. It really is a great program.
Posted by Robert Richards (Member # 3244) on :
Dave, I bought Imagaro Z last year at the BIG show in Charlotte. I can't get it to load anything except a file that is already vectored. Contacted the company via email, no help. I am dis-satisfied with the product and the service. If anyone is going to buy, please try it first.
Robert Richards
Posted by mark zilliox (Member # 3873) on :
Virgiia !.....Dr. Vector-Eric is a good outsource. fair-fast & just add the few bx 2 the job.
i've dealt with him for several years. that's my "testimonal".good luck Galaxy ! the Souther Md. Wallslopper !....just say no to squeegez.
Posted by Mike O'Neill (Member # 470) on :
Been perfectly happy with Corel Trace...
X3 made a real big step forward X4 is even better... like anything you have to learn how to optimise settings for best results.
