VectorMagic lets you take your pixelated bitmap images and converts them into curvaceous clean vector images easily. Known as an auto-tracer, and similar to Adobe's Live Trace and Corel's PowerTrace, VectorMagic converts raster images into vector images.
So you know how some images look like they're made of a cross-stitch sewing artifact from your mom's linen closet? VectorMagic transforms those jagged squares from their pixel base into a vector image which is composed of geometric shapes like lines, circles and curves.
Unlike raster files, with vector images you can scale an image without making it blurry or pixelated. This is particularly useful when you need to enlarge a small file and keep its clarity.
VectorMagic's site features a good video tutorial and side by side comparisons of its output against Adobe and Corel's. It is the result of a Stanford University Artificial Intelligence Laboratory research project by James Diebel and Jacob Norda.
To use VectorMagic, you upload your raster image (files supported JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF) and VectorMagic analyzes the image, walks you through some steps like file quality, colors you want in the final image, etc. Afterwards, VectorMagic spits out your new vector image which you can download in EPS, SVG, or PNG formats, and/or email. You also have the option of editing quick defects in the image using their segmentation editor.
We were impressed with its ease of use, good results and who can argue with a price like free?
Thanks Steven!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-03-2007 @ 5:21PM
John Kubala said...
The correct link is: http://vectormagic.stanford.edu/
Reply
12-03-2007 @ 5:26PM
Ken said...
The link http://www.vectormagic.net works as well.
Reply
12-03-2007 @ 10:54PM
AlphaDeltaGo said...
That's really cool. I wonder if it's as good or better than Illustrator CS's live trace feature. Even if it's not, I guess it's free.
http://www.counteragent.com
Boom!
Reply
12-04-2007 @ 12:25AM
BananaBoat said...
It's actually pretty terrible for vectoring anything but things that are mostly blocks of color. It's free though, and arguably it's auto-vectoring is on par with other auto-vectoring features in proggies like Corel Draw 3 etc. Unless you are trying to vector a stop sign, or some other form of signage, don't bother. Your best bet is learning how to manually vector.
Reply
12-04-2007 @ 6:16AM
Nicholas said...
Just pointing out... Google added gmail colored labels.. COLORED LABELS \o/
(is it just me or it's looking a lot like RTM now? O_o)
Sorry, completely off topic, but I had to say this.. =D
Reply
12-04-2007 @ 10:04AM
SDreamer said...
This will probably come in handy for line art perhaps.
Reply
5-30-2008 @ 1:55PM
Samuel said...
I dont care what anybody says I thinks its brilliant, it orks really well!
Reply