VTracer

What is VTracer?

VTracer is an open-source software that converts raster images, such as JPG and PNG files, into vector graphics in the SVG format. The application can vectorize both graphics and photographs, tracing the curves to output compact vector files. Compared to Potrace, which only accepts binary (black and white) inputs, VTracer has an image processing pipeline that can handle colored, high-resolution scans. Additionally, in contrast to Adobe Illustrator's Image Trace feature, VTracer's output is more compact, with fewer shapes, as it employs a stacking strategy and avoids producing shapes with holes VTracer was originally designed for processing high-resolution scans of historic blueprints up to gigapixels in size. However, the software can also handle low-resolution pixel art, simulating image rendering with a pixelated effect for retro game artworks

Highlights

• Converts raster images (JPG, PNG) to vector graphics (SVG)
• Handles both graphics and photographs
• Compact vector output with fewer shapes compared to other tools
• Can process high-resolution scans up to gigapixels
• Supports low-resolution pixel art with a pixelated rendering effect