convert image to vector, how to remove background and change color?

Question

Hi all,

I've searched the web to no avail to try to resolve this. I have this graphic image in black and white. I would like to vectorize it, change the color of the drawing, and remove the white background and borders. I'm trying to use it for laser cutting so I need to be able to edit the color, and need to be able to distinguish between what to cut and what not to (the white background would interfere with that).

I was able to successfully vectorize it but not change the color or remove the background without weird things happening. I'm using the latest CC 2017 version so things are in weird places.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

Pacifica T-Shirts, Inc. · Answer

I do this all day long. Here your go: Open the original image in Photoshop and without making any adjustments save it as a jpg first. Png’s and gif’s don't work as well. Open the new jpg file up in Photoshop and then jack up the resolution to 600 ppi. Convert the image to Grayscale if it’s not already. Then go to Image > Adjustments > Curves to make the edges crisp and clean and Save. Drop the Saved image into Illustrator then go to Object > Image Trace > Make and Expand. Once the conversion is done use the Magic Wand tool to click on the white and delete it and the editable black remains.

I hope this helps.

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