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I’m trying trace and convert a bitmap to a vector image, but I need Illustrator to actually trace the actual pixels, not smooth them out.

I’ve tried various settings with “Live Trace,” but the result is always curves and weird shapes. I need the actual pixels in vector (square corners, straight lines). How do I do that?

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  • Do you have an example area of the image you're trying to trace?
    – Michael Frank
    Commented Sep 10, 2015 at 21:21

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You can do a pixel-perfect trace in Flash CS5 or 6 (Modify-> Trace bitmap, with maximum settings: minimum area 1 pixel, corner threshold "few corners" and curve fit "pixels") and export it from Flash in .fxg format, which you can then import to Illustrator.

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As explained in this GD.SE answer, you can do this using the "Create Object Mosaic" function. Here's a demonstration using this 16 x 16 pixel graphic:

[Convert pixel art to vector using Illustrator

If you'd like a more automated solution, you could instead use a free and open source tool called pixel2svg. That tool does not support alpha transparency but a slight modification to the source code will fix that. cyChop's fork specifically addresses that.

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