Mastering Tracing Tools in Adobe Illustrator CS5 and CS6

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Tracing Option Tools in Illustrator CS5
   • Importing Pictures in Illustrator
   • Selecting Tool and Option Bar
   • Using the Live Trace Option
   • Comparing Performance: CS5 vs CS6
3. Tracing Option Tools in Illustrator CS6
   • Redesigned Image Trace Panel
   • Presets and Advanced Options
   • Choosing between Auto, Color, Grayscale, and Outline
   • Performance of Different Presets
4. Comparing the Results on Different Pictures
   • Render Time and File Size
5. Conclusion
6. Resources
7. Highlights
8. FAQ

🖌️ Tracing Option Tools in Illustrator CS5

In Illustrator CS5, there are powerful tracing option tools that allow you to convert Raster images into scalable vector graphics. When you import a picture into Illustrator and select it with the selection tool (black arrow), the option bar at the top displays additional information, including the live trace option. By clicking on the drop-down menu, you can access custom defaults, presets, and the tracing options. The tracing options dialog box provides a user interface with a preview checkbox on the right-HAND side. Turning on the preview allows you to see the result Instantly. Once satisfied, you can click on the "trace" button and then expand the image. Alternatively, you can make further adjustments by accessing more options within the tracing options dialog box.

🎨 Tracing Option Tools in Illustrator CS6

In Illustrator CS6, the tracing option tools have been redesigned with a new panel layout. When you click on a picture, the option "Image Trace" is still available. However, the drop-down menu no longer includes the "tracing options" directly. Instead, it provides a list of presets. To access the tracing options, click on the "Image Trace" panel, which has been completely revamped. The new panel is vertical, split into left and right sections, with an advanced icon. The panel offers six quick icons for presets: auto, color, high color, grayscale, black-and-white, and outline. Each preset generates a different result, which can be previewed instantly without the need for additional clicks.

Redesigned Image Trace Panel

The redesigned image trace panel in Illustrator CS6 offers a user-friendly interface for choosing different presets. The panel layout is Simplified, with quick access icons to select the desired result. The panel also includes advanced options, which can be accessed by clicking on the drop-down icon. These advanced options provide further control over the tracing process.

Choosing Between Presets: Auto, Color, Grayscale, and Outline

The presets offered in the image trace panel allow you to choose between different tracing options. The "auto" preset automatically determines the optimal settings for the image. The "color" preset focuses on preserving the color information, while the "grayscale" preset converts the image to shades of gray. The "outline" preset generates a preview of the image with only the outlines visible.

Performance of Different Presets

The performance of the tracing options may vary depending on the preset chosen. The "outline" and "black-and-white" presets tend to generate quicker results, while the "grayscale" and "color" presets may take longer, especially with more complex images. The "high color" preset, in particular, involves additional processing steps such as path smoothing and curve fitting, resulting in a longer rendering time. It's important to consider the trade-off between rendering time and the desired output quality when choosing the presets.

🖼️ Comparing the Results on Different Pictures

When comparing the results of the tracing options, it's essential to consider the characteristics of the pictures being traced. The rendering time and file size can vary significantly depending on factors such as the image resolution, complexity, and file format. For example, larger images with higher resolutions may take longer to render compared to smaller images. Similarly, images with more intricate details or a broader color palette may require additional processing time.

Conclusion

Tracing option tools in Illustrator, whether in CS5 or CS6, provide a powerful way to convert raster images into scalable vector graphics. The redesigned image trace panel in Illustrator CS6 offers a more intuitive interface with quick access presets and advanced options. However, the performance of the tracing options can vary depending on the chosen presets and the characteristics of the images being traced. It's important to experiment with different presets and consider factors like rendering time and output quality to achieve the desired results.

Resources

• Adobe Illustrator

Highlights

• Tracing option tools in Illustrator CS5 and CS6
• Redesigned image trace panel in Illustrator CS6
• Choosing between presets: auto, color, grayscale, and outline
• Performance considerations for different presets
• Factors affecting the rendering time and file size
• Importance of experimenting with presets for desired results

FAQs

Q: Can I convert a picture into a vector graphic using Illustrator CS5? A: Yes, Illustrator CS5 provides tracing options that allow you to convert raster images into scalable vector graphics.

Q: How is the image trace panel different in Illustrator CS6? A: The image trace panel in Illustrator CS6 has been redesigned with a simplified layout and quick access presets.

Q: Which preset should I choose for the best color preservation? A: The "color" preset in the image trace panel focuses on preserving the color information of the image.

Q: Why does the rendering time vary for different presets? A: The rendering time depends on the complexity of the image and the processing steps required for each preset.

Q: What factors should I consider when comparing the results of the tracing options? A: Factors such as image resolution, complexity, and file size can affect the results of the tracing options.

Q: Can I achieve a quick result with the best output quality? A: The output quality may vary depending on the preset chosen. Some presets offer quicker results with acceptable quality, while others may require more processing time for better results.