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mukult19649160
Participant
February 10, 2017
Question

Image trace from line art scan produces double lined strokes

  • February 10, 2017
  • 5 replies
  • 16057 views

I would like to get a single lined stroke when I scan a line art so that I can get simple shapes that can be filled with color later. However, when I trace the image and expand it, I see double lined strokes instead of a single line. The thickness of the line is small but still AI always produces a double lined trace. If I try to fill the shape with a color, the color is applied between the double lines and not in the overall shape. I have tried to change the resolution of the image while scanning and also after scanning using the Rasterize option under Object. I have also tried changing all available options on the Image Trace panel. Nothing seems to work. I need to generate single lined strokes form a line art.

Please help!!!

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    5 replies

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 14, 2019

    Hi

    Can you show your Live Trace panel with the Advanced section expanded so we can see your settings?

    Jane

    M
    MLHorst
    Participant
    March 31, 2018

    This isn't that hard and, no, you don't need Corel Draw to solve the problem.

    Using the advanced tracing panel, choose MODE: BLACK AND WHITE. Then check the STROKES box and uncheck the FILL box. Check the IGNORE WHITE BOX.

    Then in the STROKES: pixels adjustment box find the pixel count that allows your line drawing to emerge as you want it. I start at 10 and go up.

    Once you see what you want: EXPAND.

    This should give you a single line trace that has all the elegance of your original line drawing.

      tomasf85884889
      tomasf85884889
      Participant
      July 23, 2018

      As simple as that ! I think that MLHorst was the first one to really understand the question. In any case, it worked like a charm for me. Thanks MLHorst .

      lusianasetiani
      lusianasetiani
      Participating Frequently
      March 12, 2017

      I understand its usually a good idea to start a new thread for a new discussion - but I have exactly the same request as the OP and none of the answers here really dealt with the original issue or answered it so I'll pick it up and continue.

      Here's the original request for clarity:

      I would like to get a single lined stroke when I scan a line art

      For my part, I am working from pencil sketches.

      To get the clearest outlines the pencil sketches have been traced with a 0.2mm fine line pen.

      The physical traces are then scanned at 600dpi in black and white.

      I'm then using Image Trace in CC17

      I've tried with a wide variety of settings including presets and custom options.

      I can get a pretty good  looking result from this process.

      However, everything I try leaves me with a double path which borders the original outline.

      The space between the paths is filled, and the distance between them varies according to ImageTrace settings and Illustrator's whim.

      And that isnt what I need.

      What I need is a single path that averages the original sketch line. As tho I'd done it with the Pen tool

      (Which is what I'm trying to avoid!)

      I attach some images that might help explain. Each shows approx the same section.

      1) ScannedSketch.jpg - is the Image from the scanner

      2) ImageTracedOutline.jpg - is a screenshot from Illustrator showing the result from Image Trace (I forghet which bunch of settings)

      3) DoublePaths.jpg - anothjer ss from Illustrator showing the double paths that enclose a fill (fill is off here).

      I've been 2 or 3 days looking for a solution...

      I've read the docs.

      I've searched the internet

      I've watched adobe videos

      I've watched youtube videos

      I've watched lynda videos (where I have a subscription)

      I cant find an answer.

      Can somebody please point out how dumb I am, and point me to a real easy method!

      l.

        Jacob Bugge
        Community Expert
        Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 12, 2017

        Lusiana,

        Did you try Strokes (and Stroke) as suggested in the first post? Under Tracing options (click right side at top); it says:

        ...

        Strokes Creates stroked paths in the tracing result.

        Stroke Specifies the maximum width of features in the original image that can be stroked. Features larger than the maximum width become outlined areas in the tracing result.

        ...

        lusianasetiani
        lusianasetiani
        Participating Frequently
        March 12, 2017

        Jaob

        thank you for your reply

        yes I have tried stroke options. I didnt cover in first my post, but yes I can get a single line.

        However the best I can get is a very clunky path, especially when compared to the elegant curves produced with double paths which are great - I just need only one of them!

        These are really very simple sketches I have to digitize (the small clip above is quite typical) and I thought it would be an easy thing to do, But it seems not. There are a lot so a point and click solution would be ideal.

        I dont use AI full time so the tool options are complex, and the ui is obtuse (at best!). Maybe I should look elsewhere for a solution.

        l.

        Ton Frederiks
        Community Expert
        Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        February 10, 2017

        Converting scanned line art with the Strokes option may not give you the result you are looking for.

        If you want to fill shapes with color, you could try the default black and white preset, Expand the result and choose Object > Live Paint > Make to color the vectorized drawing.

        M
        mukult19649160Author
        Participant
        February 10, 2017

        This is what happens when I use Live Paint tool after image trace and expand. I can not fill the inside shape but the space between the two strokes gets filled.

          Monika Gause
          Community Expert
          Monika GauseCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          February 10, 2017

          Please read about the feature here:

          How to create and work with Live Paint groups in Illustrator

          From your small example picture nobody will be able to tell what is going on and what might be possible.

          Jacob Bugge
          Community Expert
          Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          February 10, 2017

          mukult,

          To get stroked paths, use Strokes under Tracing options:

          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.

          M
          mukult19649160Author
          Participant
          February 10, 2017

          Jacob,

          Thanks for the suggestions. I have already tried using strokes while tracing the scanned image and also reviewed all of the information. It does not solve the problem. I am using AI CC 2017. I am using an inked hand drawing that was scanned for image tracing.

          I saw in one google search that changing the resolution of the image (rasterizing) can help. However, it did not work for me. The issue is still there. 

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