Aligning Image Trace Path to Original Image

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
December 14, 2023
3 replies
1059 views

In Photoshop this seems to be an easy procedure. However, this seems to be an ardous task.

I have an image which I made a copy of and using Image Trace, Expand. Now I want to align the path to the original image to make a vector image. Is there an easy method for this?

I have tried the Align tools and they do not seem to work. I don't think Illustrator uses Blend Modes which will allow the user to see the image below.

Thanks

Using Windows 11 and Illustrator (subscriber)

How-to

This topic has been closed for replies.

Jacob Bugge

Community Expert

westdr1dw,

I have only just seen the question, and I am wondering whether this crude way could be the easy way, Smart Guides being you friends:

1) Place the image and copy it in front of itself;

2) ClickDrag with the Rectangle Tool to snap to opposite corners of the image;

3) Image Trace the copy image, Expand, and Group the expanded trace and the rectangle from 2).

Now the expanded trace will forever be accurately alignable with the image whichever ways you move them about and transform them in identical ways.

W

westdr1dwAuthor

Legend

Jacob;

Thanks, will give it a try. Ironically when trying to replicate the Unit and Merge where only 90% of the image was covered in black I had a problem with my computer. I ended up replacing an SSD card. In any case I had to install a new OS and all apps. Will be sure to give it a try. There is a Youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jXztWWSb3U&t=206s.

At around the 6:45 time marker when he uses Unite and Merge. When I tried applying this on my image only 90% of the image was covered in black. The top of the image was left uncovered. There was a path covering the area

Thanks

W

westdr1dwAuthor

Legend

I have just started a tutorial series about this on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVqhHu3CSohV3AbA0DP6c6kJ5EJIqgFFf

But probably it doesn't cover what you need with your image, because it's not complete yet. The other videos will be published until the end of January. So can you please show it? There obviously is something in your image that is difficult. So we need to see it.

Monika;

My humble apologies. After looking at your request again this morning I see you have requested I post the image I have been having an issue with. In the process of replicating the process on Fri based on your request my desktop went into a BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death). I lost some files in the process after replacing the SSD. The file I was working with was downloaded from the internet. Once I have an image which shows the concern I will post it to the group. Appreciate your understanding,

Thanks

Ton Frederiks

Community Expert

After expanding Image Trace, the original image is gone.

If yo want to keep it, you have to make a copy before tracing or place it agaib after tracing.

And yes, Illustrator has blend modes, see the Transparency panel.

W

westdr1dwAuthor

Legend

I make a copy so both are showing. Just need to align them. I found the Blend Modes. However, these appear to much different than PS. In any case thanks appreciate the assist.