Image Trace 2.0 - Trace images with more accuracy and control

[Anshul_Saini]

Tired of dealing with large, complex files after tracing images in Illustrator? Struggling to edit traced objects or getting strange results when tracing gradients? If so, we’ve got the solution for you.

With Enhanced Image Trace in Illustrator 29.0, you can effortlessly convert raster images like JPEG, PNG, and PSD into high-quality vector artwork, offering greater precision and control. This upgraded feature allows you to create accurate traces with smoother curves that better reflect the original image.

Transform Complexity into Clarity: Experience Effortless Vectorization with Enhanced Image Trace in Illustrator 29.0.

Try it yourself Trace an image in a few simple steps.

Open Illustrator

Note:

All these features are only available for Illustrator version 29.0 or later. Update the app now.

Key features and highlights

Gradient Detection: 

Detect and trace linear gradients in Color or Grayscale mode.
To use this feature:

• Set the Mode to Color or Grayscale.
• Set Palette to Automatic or Full Tone.
• Use the Smooth slider to adjust the detection strength.
• After tracing, refine gradients with the Gradient tool.

Live Shape Detection:
Shapes like circles, squares, and rectangles are traced as live shapes, making them easier to edit.

Auto Grouping:
The Auto Grouping option organizes paths into logical groups making the traced result easier to edit. To view these groups in the Layers panel, you need to select Expand.

Transparency Support:
Transparent areas in images will no longer be traced as white. This feature is only available in Color Mode with a minimum of 4 colors and is not supported in Grayscale or Black and White modes.

Reduced Anchor Points:
Significant reduction in anchor points and paths, leading to more efficient outputs.

 

This update makes Tracing Images in Illustrator much more versatile and user-friendly. For more details & FAQs about this new feature, please click here.

We’d love to hear from you!

Try out the new "Enhanced Image Trace" feature and share your feedback by completing this survey. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more tips!

If this was helpful, please click the Upvote icon in the top left corner of this post. Your feedback helps us improve the experience. Thank you!

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[Kuttyjoe]

The results in Illustrator 29 are still a long way from the quality of standalone software.  I still use Illustrator a lot because it's faster, and it does a good job with 1 color images.  But, Illustrator does not do a good job with straight lines, or corners.  When a piece of art is more forgiving, or may even benefit from some rounding, and it's 1 color, then Illustrator is is what I will use.  Illustrator is not good for accuracy.  The two results below are both the inital results.  With the standalone software I would not do anything further.  With Illustrator there would be a lot more work to get it to be usable. 

 

[@mj]

You have a typo on Palette.

Thought you might like to know.

Best

mj

iMSD

[Anubhav M]

Hello @mj,

Thanks for pointing out. Corrected now.

Anubhav

[@mj]

My plesh!

[drw158]

I just got the update to 2025, and my image trace with the same exact file it went down from 5786 points to 2233 points. I've tried every which way in illustrator 2025 and I can't get the same quality image trace I did in the 2024 version.

I've been using image trace 15+ years. These are worse results than even 2010. I am hoping y'all will consider allowing the option to bring back the high quality options to image trace and allowing for details. I'll be sticking with 2024 version. 

[Monika Gause]

Please share screenshots or the image you used as a template.

[AlanGilbertson]

I'd also be interested to see what you're tracing, because my results see an improvement, but there are more knobs to turn in the new model, and optimum results need different settings when comparing 2.0 with 1.x.

[MisterPhil]

Yep, same for me - I used a preset that I've been using with the results I like and it has halved the amount of points along with the quality! I had both 24 and 25 open next to each other and made sure all the settings were exactly the same… I'll have to stick with 24 version too.

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @MisterPhil and @drw158,

Thank you for reaching out. Could you both share the sample image and a screenshot or screen recording of the settings you used for Image Trace? This would help us relay the details to the product team for further investigation. Your input is essential, and we appreciate your patience in helping us look into this!

Best,
Anshul Saini

[MisterPhil]

Sure - here are two screenshots using exactly the same soucre image for tracing.
All the settings are identical, as you can see from the screenshots, but on the 2024 trace the detail is much better and truer to the original artwork (see source image for tracing, also attached).

Let me know if any more info is required.

Cheers
Phil

[Anubhav M]

Hello @MisterPhil,

Thanks for sharing the screenshots. Would you mind also sharing a screen recording of your workflow including the settings used, so I can check this with the product team?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

[MisterPhil]

Sure, will do that and get back to you.

[BrandBrooder]

I completely agree with you! The new trace capability is far inferior to the previous version. With the older version, I was able to covert illustrations into scalable line art to using for coloring books. Not anymore. 😞

[Monika Gause]

I completely agree with you! The new trace capability is far inferior to the previous version. With the older version, I was able to covert illustrations into scalable line art to using for coloring books. Not anymore. 😞

By @BrandBrooder

Please show examples of what does not work anymore.