Illustrator 2025 removed critical feature from Image Trace

[MontyDraws]

HI, Image Trace in the 2025 version performs much poorer than previous versions from the last few years. It took me a while to figure it out but the new version has left off the Simplify check box and it seems to be stuck ON by default. 

I'm an illustrator who scans my illustrations into illustrator and then uses Image Trace to vectorize them. With the "simplify" automatically on I am getting poor results and so have had to downgrade to AI 2024. Is there anyway to gain control of this again? 

PS I'm still slightly annoyed Image Trace took away the old CS5 option to trace multiple files at once... big help when scanning in multiple frames for animation instead of doing them all one at a time. 

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

<"moved from cc desktop">

[michelew83603738]

If you go to the advanced options, you can't get the results you are looking for? As for being able to do multiple images, you can suggest it via https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657-illustrator-desktop-feature-requests 

[MontyDraws]

No. You can see my advanced settings are identical in the images below, but
in 2025 the simplify box has been removed and appears to be on by default
(I don’t want the image simplified any more than it needs to be).

[MontyDraws]

I found this post which also identifies the issue: https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/illustrator-live-trace-in-v2025-forces-75-pa...

It does seem like the new Live Trace has turned on "Simplfy" at about 75%. This removes the ability the old version had to turn off "Simplfy" and achieve more detail when vectorizing line art (like pen on paper illustrations). 

[Ton Frederiks]

Bridge has an option: Tools > Illustrator > Image Trace... that also works with 2024

[MontyDraws]

Thanks! I think maybe you might have mentioned this on an old post of mine. I've never used Bridge or understood what it is supposed to do. I suppose I'd rather have the simplicity of drag and drop or is Bridge something helpful I'm missing out on? 

[Ton Frederiks]

I use Bridge a lot, it allows you to badge certain processes (like renaming). search, filter and add metadata and much more.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/bridge-discussions/what-is-adobe-bridge-and-who-it-is-for-now/td-p/11...

[MontyDraws]

thanks. None of those functions are helpful to my work flow but it was interesting to check it out. 

[mabagamasbad]

Hi!

I've been working on a VERY important project since last year and was on holiday. I just started working on it again this week, now using 2025. i was about to cry as i couldn't get the results i wanted and knew for sure was working before in image trace. i've been on it for hours. same settings as before but the lines were so much smoother which i specifically didn't want. Until i tried it again on 2024 and got the results i need back!

I guess my question is, will we be able to maintain using 2024?? my project is quite big and there's still A LOT to do. i'm very worried i will suddenly lose access and be forced to use 2025.

[Monika Gause]

Please report this to https://illustrator.uservoice.com 

[mabagamasbad]

thank you!

[jeanne 5]

I have the same problem. Had to use 2024 again.

[mabagamasbad]

hi jeanne.

yep, it's still an issue.

have reported it here:

https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447/suggestions/49419680

and the same issue reported here:

https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/601447/suggestions/49374704

still no update and it's stressing me out a bit.

[jeanne 5]

same issue here. It has not been solved yet. Very frustrating.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @MontyDraws,

Thanks so much for sharing all these detailed observations and screenshots. I understand how important it is to have precise control over Image Trace, especially when working with hand-drawn line art.

Could you please confirm the exact version of Illustrator you're currently using and your operating system details? It would also be helpful if you could check out this UserVoice thread and add your feedback there: https://adobe.ly/3TwXt1G

Additionally, if possible, please share a sample AI file where you're experiencing this issue, along with a short screen recording showing your workflow step by step. This would help the team better understand and investigate the behavior on our end.

Looking forward to your update so we can assist further!

Abhishek