Tracing bitmaps

You can trace a bitmap in one step by using the Quick Trace command. Alternatively, you can choose a suitable tracing method and preset style and then use the PowerTRACE controls to preview and adjust the traced results. CorelDRAW offers two methods for tracing bitmaps: Centerline Trace and Outline Trace.


Choosing a tracing method

The Centerline Trace method uses unfilled closed and open curves (strokes) and is suitable for tracing technical illustrations, maps, line drawings, and signatures. This method is also referred to as “stroke tracing.”

CorelDRAW trace centerline Tracing bitmaps

The Centerline Trace method was used to convert the original bitmap (top) into a vector graphic (bottom).

The Outline Trace method uses curve objects with no outlines and is suitable for tracing clipart, logos, and photo images. The Outline Trace method is also referred to as “fill” or “contour tracing.”


Choosing a preset style

A preset style is a collection of settings that are appropriate for the specific type of bitmap you want to trace (for example, line art or a high-quality photo image). Each tracing method comes with specific preset styles.

The Centerline Trace method offers two preset styles: one for technical illustrations and another for line drawings.

CorelDRAW trace tech ill Tracing bitmaps

Technical illustration

CorelDRAW trace line dr Tracing bitmaps

Line drawing

The Outline Trace method offers the following preset styles that are suitable for line art, logos, clipart, and photo images.

CorelDRAW trace ln art01 Tracing bitmaps

Line art

CorelDRAW trace logo 01 Tracing bitmaps

Logo

CorelDRAW trace detail logo 01 Tracing bitmaps

Detailed logo

CorelDRAW trace clipart01 Tracing bitmaps

Clipart

CorelDRAW trace low qual image01 Tracing bitmaps

Low-quality image

CorelDRAW trace hi qual image01 Tracing bitmaps

High-quality image


Adjusting traced results

You can adjust the traced results by using the controls in the PowerTRACE dialog box. For more information, see “Fine-tuning traced results” and “Adjusting colors in traced results.”


To trace a bitmap by using Quick Trace

CorelDRAW btnbacktotop Tracing bitmaps
1.
 
Select a bitmap.
2.
 
Click Bitmaps CorelDRAW onestep Tracing bitmaps Quick Trace.

CorelDRAW tip Tracing bitmaps

•
 
You can also trace a bitmap in one step by clicking the Trace bitmap flyout button on the property bar and clicking Quick Trace.
•
 
You can change the settings that are used by Quick Trace. For more information, see “Setting default tracing options.”

To trace a bitmap by using the Centerline Trace method

CorelDRAW btnbacktotop Tracing bitmaps
1.
 
Select a bitmap.
2.
 
Click Bitmaps CorelDRAW onestep Tracing bitmaps Centerline trace, and click one of the following:
•
Technical illustration — to trace black-and-white illustrations with thin, faint lines
•
Line drawing — to trace black-and-white sketches with thick, prominent lines
If necessary, adjust the traced results by using the controls of the PowerTRACE dialog box.

CorelDRAW tip Tracing bitmaps

•
 
You can also access PowerTRACE from the Trace bitmap flyout button on the property bar.

To trace a bitmap by using the Outline Trace method

CorelDRAW btnbacktotop Tracing bitmaps
1.
 
Select a bitmap.
2.
 
Click Bitmaps CorelDRAW onestep Tracing bitmaps Outline trace, and click one of the following:
•
Line art — lets you trace black-and-white sketches and illustrations
•
Logo — lets you trace simple logos with little detail and few colors
•
Detailed logo — lets you trace logos that contain fine detail and many colors
•
Clipart — lets you trace ready-to-use graphics that vary according to their amount of detail and number of colors
•
Low quality image— lets you trace photos that lack fine detail (or that contain fine detail that you want to ignore)
•
High quality image — lets you trace high-quality, highly detailed photos
If necessary, adjust the traced results by using the controls of the PowerTRACE dialog box.

Tracing bitmaps