MACROMEDIA FLASH MX 2004-USING FLASH Use Manual page 142

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" on page
To convert a bitmap to a vector graphic:
Select a bitmap in the current scene.
1.
Select Modify > Bitmap > Trace Bitmap.
2.
Enter a Color Threshold value between 1 and 500.
3.
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
4.
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
5.
are drawn.
For Corner Threshold, select an option from the pop-up menu to determine whether sharp
6.
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
142 Chapter 7: Using Imported Artwork
141.