Bitmap images are images that are described by pixels - squares of color arranged in a grid.
Bitmap images are also known as raster images.
See also: Bitmap Image File Formats
Vector images are images described by shapes such as circles and squares, as opposed to bitmap images which are described by pixels - squares of color arranged in a grid. The shapes are precise mathematical descriptions of the image and can be scaled without becoming blurry or "pixelated" (that blocky look that bitmap/raster images so often get when scaled up).
See also: Understanding Vector Images, Vector Image File Formats
Vector images are used in most aspects of graphic design and are the preferred format for printing, both on paper and on clothes. The reason for this is that while a bitmap image can look great on the screen, which usually has a resolution of about 72 pixels/dots per inch (DPI), it will normally have to be scaled by a factor of 8 or more when printed since modern printers routinely produce resolutions of 600 pixels/dots per inch. Vector images can handle this type of scaling without any problems while bitmap images struggle with it.
Many forms of printing require vector input in order to work - flex printing and embroidery for example.
Vector images are also used on the web in for example SVG animations.
See also: Understanding Vector Images, Uses For Vector Images
Tracing, also known as vectorization, is the process of converting a bitmap image to a vector image.
It can be done by hand ("hand-tracing"), or by a computer program ("auto-tracing").
Please see the compatibility page.
| Image upload limitations | |
|---|---|
| Supported image types | JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF |
| Not supported image types | PDF, DOC, AI, CDR, PSD |
| File size | Any |
| Image width*height | Any |
Images with width*height more than 1.0 megapixel will be shrunk to 1.0 megapixel and thereafter processed.
Images can have any aspect ratio, so there are no specific height or width limitations, only height*width limitations.
| Online Edition Supported File Formats | |
|---|---|
| Input: | JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF |
| Output: | SVG, EPS, PDF |
| Desktop Edition Supported File Formats | |
|---|---|
| Input: | JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIFF |
| Output: | SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, DXF |
Vector Magic is tuned for tracing artwork and photos. Scans also work nicely, as described in this tutorial.
Please see the pricing page
You can cancel your subscription on your Cedar Lake Ventures Account page anytime.
If you've lost access to your account, please contact support.
There are no hidden fees. Subscription fees are non-refundable.
You can access any and all receipts from your Cedar Lake Ventures Account page.
We put no restrictions on your use of the derivative works produced by Vector Magic, nor do we assume any liability for them. This basically means that you have essentially the same rights to the output as you had to the input.
If you choose to share your result or allow us to use it as a sample, you grant us sufficient license to the original to perform these tasks.
For the details, please see the terms of use.
The Online Edition supports neither transparency, nor can you selectively remove e.g. the background from the result.
The Desktop Edition supports both transparency, and selective removal of shapes (e.g. the background) from the result.
Also, once an image has been vectorized, you can delete the background (or any other shape in the image) in a vector editing program.
For more general purpose background removal (e.g. for product catalogs), be sure to check out Clipping Magic.
Currently, Vector Magic does not have a specific feature to convert gradients to gradient vector shapes (instead they are converted to bands of constant color). The Vectorization Wizard will help you achieve the best results in vectorizing the shapes of your artwork. You can then edit the colors or add the gradient with a vector editing program.
Please contact us.