How to convert a white image with transparent background into vector?

[GoodluckH]

I tried to convert it by using the Image Trace, but each time I got either the whole image filled with white or a blank transparent image.

Here is my image in png format. (you can't see it because it's white, but try to download it)

[Michael Riordan · Accepted solution]

Hi Goodluck

The most straightforward solution to your problem is to open the file in Photoshop, invert it (Command-I on a Mac, Control-I on a PC) so it is black instead of white, save it, and then trace it in Illustrator.

Or, since it is a fairly simple shape, you could simply retrace it using the pen-tool in Illustrator.

Hope that helps

Michael Riordan

Owner/Adobe Certified Instructor

Digital DesignLab

Oak Park, IL

http://www.learnadobesoftware.com

[Ton Frederiks]

Place the file in Illustrator.

Choose: Edit > Edit Colors > Invert Colors.

Use Image Trace (with Ignore White in the Advanced options).

[OSACcommunications]

This allows tracing but then your formerly white image is now black and any other colors are inverted too (blue is orange etc). How to trace a white image and keep its original white, blue, etc colors?

[Ton Frederiks]

If you have an image with white and other colors, just trace it as color. No need to invert it.

[OSACcommunications]

Thanks very much for the reply. When I do that, I got a white box fill. If I set it to ignore white, I lose the logo. Attachments show: original logo, trace w color mode, trace w ignore white selected.

[Ton Frederiks]

I see, in this case I would put a rectangle behind the image, give it a color that is not in the image.

Check the resolution of your image in the Control bar, select both the image and the rectangle and Object > Rasterize it at that resolution.

Trace it and sample the color to ignore with the eydropper or just trace it and remove the color after expanding

[OSACcommunications]

Ok thanks, I'll give that a shot. As a not-pro-Illustrator user I'm confused why this is so difficult! But maybe it's just something I don't understand about how Illustrator works. Thanks again for the help.

[Ton Frederiks]

I agree, it could be improved by just tracing white instead of seeing it as paper color.

In your example you could still use the Invert trick with Ignore white. Just apply Invert again after expanding the trace.