Convert PNG to SVG in Adobe Illustrator
Use Adobe Illustrator's Image Trace to convert PNG to SVG. Step-by-step settings guide from Upload to expanded, editable vector paths.
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Supports PNG, JPG, BMP, WEBP up to 5MB
Image Trace Step by Step
Illustrator's Image Trace is the professional standard for PNG to SVG conversion.
- File > Place (Shift+Ctrl+P) > select PNG file
- Select the placed image on the artboard
- Window > Image Trace to open Image Trace panel
- Or: click 'Image Trace' button in the Properties or Control bar
- Choose a preset or set custom options
- Click Expand in the toolbar to convert to editable paths
- Ungroup the result for individual path access
Image Trace Presets Explained
Choose the right preset for your PNG type.
- High Fidelity Photo: detailed realistic traces, many paths, large SVG file
- Low Fidelity Photo: simplified, bold areas — good for illustrations
- 3 Colors / 6 Colors / 16 Colors: fixed color count traces
- Shades of Gray: grayscale trace, good for textured or shaded artwork
- Black and White Logo: clean B&W trace for logos and line art
- Sketched Art / Line Art: thin line detection for drawn illustrations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Illustrator Image Trace and imagetosvg.com?
Both vectorize PNG to SVG. Illustrator gives more control (manual threshold, path simplification, mode options) but requires a $22/month subscription. imagetosvg.com is faster, works in a browser, and is free for basic use — comparable quality for most common use cases.
Why does my Image Trace SVG have too many paths?
High Fidelity Photo and many-color presets create complex path data. After expanding, use Object > Path > Simplify to reduce node count. Or re-trace with fewer colors or a simpler preset like 6 Colors or Black and White Logo.
How do I get a clean single-color SVG from Image Trace?
Use the Black and White Logo preset with Ignore White checked. Adjust the threshold slider until the image traces cleanly. Expand, then ungroup. The result is a clean single-color SVG path.
Can I save an Image Trace result as SVG without expanding?
No — un-expanded Image Trace results save as embedded raster images when you export SVG. You must click Expand first to convert to actual vector paths before saving as SVG.
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