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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!