I am just beginning in Ai and need to do a simple trace of this font on an old album cover. When I do the "Black and White Logo" preset on the Image Trace Panel it turns the enitre image white. I'm sure there is an easy way, but I'm new. Thank you for your time and knowledge.
1 Correct answer
Experiment with the Threshold.
But the result would be cleaner if you identify the font and then just write that text.
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I downloaded your image and tested it out and was able to isolate the letter just by increasing the threshold.
I might suggest taking the image into Photoshop (if you have it) and adjusting the color and saturation settings to make the letters a bit clearer for Illustrator's Image Trace.
1. I opened the image in Photoshop.
2. I inverted the colors by choosing Image > Adjustments > Invert
3. I adjusted the Levels of the image by choosing Image > Adjustments > Levels. (Before is Left, After is Right)
4. I desaturated the image by choosing Image > Adjustments > Desaturate
5. From there, you can bring it into Illustrator and get a little bit cleaner result.
Michael
I'm not sure how comfortable you feel with the Pen tool in Illustrator, but if you feel up to the designer's challenge – or if no other option suits your desires – you may think about tracing the letters onto a new layer.
It can seem daunting and I acknowledge it's not a quick solution, but it's definitely a noble challenge.
1. I'd put the image on one layer, lower the opacity, and lock the layer.
2. Then, create a new layer and use the Pen tool to trace around the curves of the letters.
I understand this solution may be far too time consuming or not interesting to you, but it is an option for you!
I hope you are successful in your endeavor. I'd be interested to learn what typeface it is if you find it!
Cheers,
Michael
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