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Vectorizing Images in Vision 9 Pro
The first step in creating a good quality vectorized image from a bitmap is to make sure the image
quality of the bitmap is high enough that the vector image output clearly represents the original bitmap
image. Before we begin this tutorial, a few definitions are needed.
Bitmap Image - Any form of digital image comprised of individual pixels of color. File formats are
commonly; .bmp, .jpg, .jpeg, .tif, .gif, .png as well as some .pdf files and many others.
Vector image - A computer drawn image comprised of individual lines or curves. File formats for vector
images can be .ai, .pdf, .cdr, .cdl, .svg as well as many others. Keep in mind that a vector file format
can contain bitmap images as well as vector images, but a bitmap file format only contains bitmap
images.
To create a vector image from a bitmap image, the bitmap must undergo vectorization. This is the
process whereby the software analyzes the bitmap image and determines how to represent the image
with vector lines and curves. Bitmaps are generally scanned into the computer with a scanner. They can
also be drawn in graphic illustration programs. Most all images viewed on the internet are bitmaps.
Photographs taken with a digital camera are also bitmaps. Bitmap quality will rely heavily on the process
used to create the bitmap as well as the overall size of the image. Larger images, both in pixel
dimensions and file size, produce higher quality images. The difference between bitmap images and
vector images is shown below.
The top image is a vector image. The outlines are smooth and defined and the fills are a solid color. The
bottom image is a bitmap image. The pixels of color are clearly defined and make up a grid of colored
"boxes", then when combined together, create an image. Bitmaps have no "path", no continuous outline
and no solid fill. Because of this, Vision engravers and routers cannot process a bitmap. A vector image
is necessary for the machine to understand the path it should follow to create the image on a substrate.
© 2015 Vision Engraving and Routing Systems
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