Can one convert a raster file (e.g. .jpg) to a vector file?

[johng10742099]

Dear Forum,

I have some characters that I would like to try to animate (2d-wise) using Animator CC (2017) running on a Mac. All I have are .jpg images of them shot on a plain (green) background. Is there any way I could convert those raster files to a vector file so as to be able to use them in Animate, which, to my understanding, requires vector files? Alternatively, is there a relatively easy way to "draw" these characters (say in AI) and save them as a vector file? I have tried "find edges" in the "Effects" menu of PrPro and PS CC but that still must be save as a raster file (I think).

Thanks muchly!

John

[ClayUUID]

Flash Tip: The Trace Bitmap Function

And no, Animate (not "Animator") doesn't require vector files. You know Animate is just a renamed Flash, right? Flash animations have supported bitmap graphics from the very first version.

[johng10742099]

Thanks for the link!

[Nick Gioia · Accepted solution]

You can take your raster images into Illustrator and "image trace" them converting them into vector. Once you "image trace" them you can open the "image trace menu" and tweak them to your liking, once done then click the "expand" button. You should have a clean vector version of your raster file. You can save it as an SVG or AI file and import it into flash now know as animate. When importing a SVG or AI  file into animate be sure to click the option box to enable SVG or AI files to be imported.

[johng10742099]

Thanks! I'll try it.

[sy-81808664]

No. There is no way to convert raster images into vector images. There is a way to make vector images based on jpg images:

In Animate CC select your jpg image, go to modify - bit map- trace bitmap, select how refined you want ot have your image and it will generate a vector image based on your raster image. Animate CC how to trace bitmaps to create symbols - YouTube

If this does not fix your problem you may try to animate your raster images in adobe after effects. After effects is specifically designed to be able to handle raster images, and has built in animation tools along with special effect generating tools.

[johng10742099]

Thanks !!