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Gabor22773582n1bc
Inspiring
July 31, 2025
Question

How can I edit a scanned PDF image while maintaining the scale and size?

  • July 31, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 297 views

Hello,

I have a model car that needs decals. The decal does not exist, so I have to create it.

The decal is a scanned PDF file.

If I print the PDF at the original size, the decal size is perfect.

I only need the black lines from the decal image (not the blue, orange or black and white, only the black lines from the decal image) 

As the PDF was scanned, there are no printer margins. I therefore have to move the image into the printable area, as it is currently on the edge.

I also need to print the black lines five times, as it can fit on A4 paper and I do not want to waste decal printer paper.

I am a beginner with Adobe.

Could someone please help me? What do I need to do?

 

If any part of what I wrote is unclear, please ask. Thank you.

1 reply

creative explorer
Community Expert
creative explorerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
August 1, 2025

@Gabor22773582n1bc honestly, if you have Adobe Illustrator, you be better off to do an 'Image Trace' where the artwork would become a vector file (think paths, anchors, and nodes); and you can select the colours you don't need and delete them. Also, by 'vectoring' the file, it would not be pixelated if you use Photoshop. 

That's what I would do.

If you don't have Illustrator, you will have either re-draw it, or make a selection and stroke it on a layer, and then hide the bottom layer (or delete it). A part of me thinks I be working more in Photoshop for the decal compared to Illustrator and a few seconds?

m
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    Gabor22773582n1bcAuthor
    Inspiring
    August 1, 2025

    Thank you for your reply.

     

    I have all Acrobat app , but I have no idea how should I have to use them.

    This is why I wrote I am a beginner.

    Vector draw have no scale. But to me is extremly important the scale.

    Because that image scaled for 1:24 model car.

    If I change only a little it not fit to the car.

    Sharp edges will be great, but I have no idea how to.

     

    What I did: Open pdf wit Acrobat, and save the image.

    Open the image with Photoshop, and Select -> Color Range

    Choose black and OK

    After with erase delete what I do not need.

    Not soo good, but this is what I know. Google search showed to me this.

    I do not know what is 'Image Trace' , and how that is work.

    I have no idea how to "re-draw it"

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