Converting raster images to vector on PC

[lenesigns]

Hello, I have a sign business and trying to learn how to vectorize raster images for the purposes of design and eventual printing and cutting.  I'm struggling to follow Illustrator help and would appreciate any assistance to simplify this process.   I am currently using a simple black and white image as a self-training exercise.   Thanks in advance....   Len

[Doug A Roberts]

Can you be specific about what you're having trouble with?

[lenesigns]

In a raster format, the image is pixelated and the edges are not straight, smooth lines.   Therefore, the image is not suitable for large format printing or cutting.   I need the edges of the image to be smooth and the only way to achieve that is to vectorize the image.

[Doug A Roberts]

Right. Where in the process of attempting this using Illustrator are you getting stuck?

[lenesigns]

The image I'm working with is a pdf, and I go to File > Place to insert the image on the artboard.   The image looks fine until I zoom in when the edges are quite jagged.  I'm not sure where I should go from there.   I attached a copy of the image in my original post if that helps you at all.....

[packaging specialist]

Quick way: ctrl+a Object/paths/simplification
Difficult but better way: the trackpad tool

[RvdT]

After placing the image (pdf). Select it and click 'Image Trace'.

Or Window > Image Trace (you have to select the image you want to trace).

[Doug A Roberts]

Is the lion in the PDF the end result of your attempt at vectorising, or the starting point? The lion is already a vector object.

[RvdT]

It's actually a tiger too.

[lenesigns]

After selecting the image and going to Image Trace, a blank popup window appeared....couldn't do anything with it.

Yes, it is a tiger!!.......Been a long day here!  hahaha

Anyway, all fixed now!    Thank you for your input....  🙂

[lenesigns]

The pdf was actually the starting point, but I must have done something right to get it to a vector object.  Thank you for your assistance, Doug....it was very much appreciated.

[Doug A Roberts]

Is this something you've used image trace on already?

If you want to reduce the complexity, then you might want to look at Object > Path > Simplify as one of the above posts noted.

[lenesigns]

I tried to use Image Trace, but that didn't appear to have any effect at all.   When I go to Object > Path, Simplify is not an available option (greyed out).

[Doug A Roberts]

Open the PDF directly rather than placing it, or embed it. I would also release/delete the resulting clipping path object before editing, and also possibly create a compound path from the shapes.