Create a path from a placed png image with clear background

[BananaCEO]

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.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

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]

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!

[Jacob Bugge]

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.