Vector Image Tracing with Affinity Designer | 3 Solutions
Vector Image Tracing with Affinity Designer | 3 Solutions https://logosbynick.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/affinity-designer-image-trace.png 800 470 Nick Saporito https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d9a1bc4f29b2352da1ce14ad033328ab?s=96&d=mm&r=gHaving the ability to trace vector copies of your images is a standard feature of any vectors graphics software. For Affinity Designer users though, we’re out of luck. Designer, for whatever reason, does not possess the ability to do this. Although there’s no auto image trace feature built in, you can still do vector image tracing with Affinity Designer using the Pen Tool. There’s also a few alternative solutions available that may be worth considering.
Image Tracing
Vector image tracing is when your design software uses an algorithm to automatically generate a vector tracing of a raster image:
Tracing software automatically generates vector tracings of raster imagery.
The benefit of using a feature like this is that it saves a bunch of time. The downside is that the results are often random and imprecise. Regardless, automated vector tracing still has a place in a designer’s toolbox. I’ve found it to be very useful for creating vector textures.
In Inkscape, this feature is called Trace Bitmap. In Illustrator, it’s called Trace Image. In Affinity Designer though, it doesn’t exist.
Affinity’s Lack Of Image Tracing
For whatever reason, there is no image trace in Affinity Designer.Β Will vector image tracing be possible in the future? Who knows.
That said, we still have a problem to solve. What can you do to trace an image to vector if you’re an Affinity Designer user? Let’s explore.
Vector Image Tracing with Affinity Designer
| Unfortunately, there is no image trace feature built into Affinity Designer. You will either have to draw your vector tracings manually using the Pen Tool, or use an alternative solution. |
Considering that we can’t auto-trace our image, we have three options:
- Solution 1: Create A Manual Tracing
- Solution 2: Use Inkscape
- Solution 3: Use An Online Converter
Let’s explore these options in more detail.
Solution 1: Create A Manual Tracing
The only real way to go about vector image tracing with Affinity Designer is to do so manually using the Pen Tool.
This can be done by simply drawing individual elements right on top of your image, and then coloring them in using the Color Picker tool. In fact, I created a video tutorial demonstrating how to do so:
This method may be right for you if your image is simple enough to trace manually, or if you have something that needs to be traced with precision.
The downside of using an automated tracing feature is that it very rarely traces over your image with absolute precision. However, if your design is large and complex, then manually tracing it probably isn’t the best approach, or even possible for that matter.
If this describes you then you may want to consider one of the other two solutions.
Solution 2: Use Inkscape
Inkscape is a free and open source vector graphics editor that is similar to both Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer.
Inkscape is a free and open source vector graphics editor.
Any regular visitor to this website is surely no stranger to Inkscape. I’ve used it as my preferred vector graphics tool for over a decade, and have served thousands of freelance clients with it.
I know the feeling of hesitation that comes with downloading yet another application though — especially if it’s to use a really standard feature that wasn’t included in a product you purchased. I promise you though, Inkscape is worth a try. Believe it or not, it’s capable of far more than Affinity Designer is.
Once you have Inkscape opened, all you have to do is import your image and open the Trace Bitmap menu by pressing Shift + Alt + B on your keyboard. From there the UI is pretty self-explanatory, but feel free to check out this tutorial I made in case you need help:
The benefit of using this solution is that you’ll be able to make auto-generated vector tracings of your images using Inkscape’s powerful Trace Bitmap feature. Not only that, but Inkscape is the only vector graphics editor available on all three operating systems — Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The downside of using this solution is that you have to download yet another application, and then launch that application just to use it for a single task. However, Inkscape is a very lightweight program that isn’t demanding on your hardware, and unlike Illustrator, it doesn’t have a parent app (Creative Cloud) running in the background at all times.
Solution 2: Use An Online Converter
Finally, if a lack of vector image tracing with Affinity Designer is frustrating you, and you don’t want to download any other applications, then you can always use an online vector tracing service.
Based on a quick Google search, there’s clearly no shortage of these websites available at your disposal. A common name that kept coming up in my research though Vector Magic:
Vector Magic is one of many online tools for tracing images to vector.
I don’t know anything about this website personally, and I haven’t used any other web-based services like it, but based on the results I got with my example image, I’m impressed!
Not bad for an online converter!
The benefit of using a web-based solution like Vector Magic is that you can easily create vector tracings of your images, without having to download any other applications or use any third-party plugins.
The downside, however, is that you’re limited to only color tracings. You can’t make simple black & white silhouettes from your photos like you can with Inkscape and Illustrator.
Another downside to this approach is that when I used it, it was really slow. It took a couple of minutes just for it to trace my example image, whereas Inkscape and Illustrator are nearly instantaneous.
This may not be a big deal for you, but if you’re strapped for time then it would pay to have Inkscape installed so you can quickly create your vector tracings in the future without having to wait for a web server.
Conclusion
Vector image tracing with Affinity Designer is possible through manual drawing, although it’s not always a viable solution. It depends on your image, its composition, and what you’re trying to accomplish. However, there are alternatives you can utilize when manual tracing isn’t an option, like Inkscape and online converters.
Between those three options you should be able to meet all of your vector tracing needs, as cumbersome as it may be. If you’re anything like me then you’re probably a little disappointed that such a feature doesn’t exist in Affinity Designer. Let’s hope this changes.
What are your thoughts? Have you tried any other solution that you found helpful? I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to post any questions you may have as well if any part of this lesson was unclear.
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23 comments
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Nick Saporito
Hi Nathan, not always. Image tracers in general aren’t very accurate when it comes to the finer details. It’s worth a try though.
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loukash
Surprisingly enough, there actually IS a very rudimentary tracing tool in Affinity Publisher.
See my thread here: https://forum.affinity.serif.com/index.php?/topic/179630-unexpected-feature-vectorize-a-bitmap-image-directly-in-publisher -
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Michael
How does Affinity designer compare with Corel Draw? I’m looking into either Affinity or Corel to replace Adobe.
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Logos By Nick
I’m not sure, I’ve never used CorelDraw. Based on its price though, I can’t imagine it being a good deal based on what Affinity Designer is capable of for just $60.
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Michael
I’ve been looking at both and Affinity Designer looks to be the better choise considering how low the price is compared to CorelDraw.
Is working in Affinity Designer close to how Adobe Ilustrator works?
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Logos By Nick
Yes, Affinity Designer feels very similar to Iluustrator in terms of UI and functionality. It’s also simplified and more organized. Check out my comparison of each here: https://logosbynick.com/affinity-designer-vs-illustrator/
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Michael
Is Serif DrawPlus X8 still available to download and own?
Whchi is closer to Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer or Corel Draw?
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Etchr
I’m just about to buy Affinity, I already use Inkscape, brilliant but Affinity has some great tools and workflow between Designer, Photo & Publisher. I’ve got the trial running and just did a quick experiement. Searched a pic to trace, copy, paste to Inkscape, traced, copy then pasted it directly in to Affinity. Whilst I totally agree that Affinity are really missing the mark on this particular tool, especially since they included it with DrawPlus… it took me all of 10 seconds to do some copy and paste. Not ideal but there are things that are easier in GIMP or InkScape and things that are easier in Affinity. My eye is always on the Opensource and/or usable, decent tools at a reasonable price vs the price of the “industry standard” Adobe products. As a one man band, that simply isn’t on the table…. My first comment, great resource and community here! Many thanks for all the hard work you’ve put in!
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Logos By Nick
Glad to help! You’ll be buying in at a great time as Affinity just released version 2.0 of all their apps today, which bring many new features. Unfortunately, image trace isn’t one of them, but Affinity is now closer to Adobe than ever. Definitely a high-end design tool!
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Gavin Anderson
Small correction to your article. You list 3 solutions, the third of which is to use an online converter. But later on in the article you refer to the use of an online converter as Solution 2.
That aside, thanks for this article.
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nonov
I was just about to purchase Affinity designer but will have to go back to Illustrator, image trace is such an important feature, can’t work without it !
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Rhonda
Once I’ve used the pen tool to trace my design, what do I do with all those layers and what would the next step be to make the trace part of my logo? Do I just group all the layers and it’s ready to used?
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Deirdre
I was just ready to pull the trigger for the Affinity ‘suite’ as well, only to learn about the lack of live trace and absent export option for .webp image format for Affinity Photo. There is a bit of hostility in their forums from those that police it, directed at those who dear to request new features. So I will just avoid.
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Anthony
You can use Inkscape to trace images and xnconvert to save to webp format. Both are free open source software.
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euu
Wow, for $55 I don’t think it’s too much to ask to at least integrate the free and open source potrace like Inkscape does.
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Bob
I’ve been a long time user of Serif products since the mid 90’s. I have used DrawPlus since the first version! I had always upgraded to the new release up to DrawPlus X8.
Affinity Designer is essentially a remake of DrawPlus. DrawPlus is such a great program, but there are some areas that are lacking compared to Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw, but for the price difference, hands down Serif always wins!
I have been reluctant to purchase Affinity, since DrawPlus X8 is so great. Today after downloading the Affinity trial and one of the first things that I noticed is that there is no AutoTrace function! I thought maybe I was just not finding it, so I did an an online search and found your blog post.
I will say that I am shocked that there is no AutoTrace function in Affinity. Kinda blows my mind that they would “remove’ this ability. Serif DrawPlus has had the AutoTrace function since their X3 release.
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This is From Serif’s How To Page:
How To – Use autotracing
Serif Software > DrawPlus
Applies to: DrawPlus X3 and above.Autotracing is the process of converting a bitmap into a vector graphic. It can be used to trace pictures into colour or black+white vector drawings or to create logos. In DrawPlus, autotracing can be performed in the AutoTrace studio, a dedicated studio environment which uses a variety of profiles.
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Needless to say, I will not be “Upgrading” to Affinity [scratch that…. I mean “Downgrading”]
Kinda makes me wish that I could have been a fly on the wall during the Serif corporate staff meetings when they decided to Trash the AutoTrace function when they redesigned DrawPlus and named it Affinity. Also how they trashed all the other Serif Products like WebPlus etc. This definitely a deal breaker for me.
For now tho, I will keep Serif DrawPlus X8 and be very happy with my non-corporate decision!
Thanks for the post by the way, very well written and thought out for a workaround.
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Ron P
Thanks for the time you put into gathering this information. For me this is the one feature that has kept me from jumping on board the entire Affinity trio, which, in my case would be Photo, Designer, and Publisher.
Every other thing I need to do these three software packages can handle with ease. But as someone who creates vinyl graphics, vector tracing ability is an absolute must.
There is absolutely no way I could afford to spend the time you did in your workaround hand coloring or hand tracing an image in order to then use a third party tool to then accomplish this simple task. What should take seconds could take 30 minutes or more.
Vector tracing is an absolute must have for anyone working with vinyl graphics, signs, decals, and t-shirts. How affinity can think that this is not an important feature to include in Designer is beyond me. It is the single reason that keeps me using Adobe products since Illustrator can vector trace just about anything I throw into it in a matter of seconds.
The sad thing is, no matter how much I would like to switch, I simply cannot, because there is no way I could run my business without this much needed functionality.
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Nick
I totally agree, Ron. I really like the Affinity suite, and I’ve had a lot of fun learning about it over the past year, but I don’t think I’d be able to use Designer as my daily driver. There’s just too many essential features (like image tracing) missing.
Where Affinity really shines, in my opinion: the mobile apps, creating isometric designs, working with text, working with vectors and rasters at the same time (personas), and how stable it is.
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Nathan Philips
Thank you for sharing such an intriguing article. I have a slight doubt regarding the mention of using an online converter. Do online converter tools possess the ability to handle complex or irregular shapes effectively?