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BananaCEO
BananaCEO
Participant
September 24, 2017
Answered

Create a path from a placed png image with clear background

  • September 24, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 732 views

Hi, I'm learning Illustrator but still at a beginner level. I hope I'm using the right terminology in my question.

I've placed this png image of a tiger into my document:

The image has a clear background, the borders of which are the blue box around it. I want to isolate the tiger from the background and create a path from its silhouette. What is the quickest way to do this? It seems to be attached to the clear background and I have been unable to isolate it.

Thanks.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Monika Gause

    You need just the silhouette?

    Then try and image trace the tiger.

    WIndow > Image trace

    Select the black and white preset and adjust the threshold until you get a black result.

    This might or might not work.

    Also check "Ignore white"

    2 replies

    Jacob Bugge
    Community Expert
    Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2017

    B,

    You may use Image Trace:

    https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/image-trace.html

    You may also look here:

    http://blogs.adobe.com/adobeillustrator/2013/07/image-trace-in-illustrator-a-tutorial-and-guide.html

    Always expand after image tracing to get things to work.

    Select it/them and Object>Image Trace>Expand.

    With that, you can create a vector version of the tiger, or you can just use the path following the outer shape; you may use it by itself, or as a Clipping Mask.

    Depending on the purpose and the origin of the image, you may have to consider copyright.

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2017

    You need just the silhouette?

    Then try and image trace the tiger.

    WIndow > Image trace

    Select the black and white preset and adjust the threshold until you get a black result.

    This might or might not work.

    Also check "Ignore white"

    BananaCEO
    BananaCEOAuthor
    Participant
    September 24, 2017

    It took a few tries messing with the image trace settings, but I finally got to the path I was looking for. Switching to the black and white preset and adjusting the threshold worked. Thanks for your help!

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