How to Trace an Image in Inkscape
Inkscape's Trace Bitmap tool converts raster images (PNG, JPG, BMP) to SVG vector paths. Here is a complete guide to tracing images in Inkscape with the best settings for clean vector output.
About How to trace an image in Inkscape
Inkscape's Trace Bitmap (Path > Trace Bitmap) is a built-in auto-tracing tool based on the Potrace library. It analyses pixel contrast in a raster image and converts it to clean, scalable SVG paths. It supports black-and-white tracing, colour quantisation tracing, and multiple-scan colour tracing.
Step 1 — Import the image: File > Import (or drag-and-drop) the PNG, JPG, or BMP file into Inkscape. The image appears as a raster object on the canvas.
Step 2 — Open Trace Bitmap: select the image, then go to Path > Trace Bitmap (Shift+Alt+B). The Trace Bitmap dialog opens.
Step 3 — Choose a trace mode: • Brightness cutoff: traces based on luminance. The Threshold slider (0.0–1.0) controls the cutoff between black and white. 0.45 is a good starting point for logos with clean edges. • Edge detection: traces the edges between different brightness areas. Produces outline/sketch style vectors. • Colour quantisation: traces multiple colours. Set the number of colours (Scans). Use this for multi-colour logos.
Step 4 — Enable Speckle removal and Smooth corners: these settings reduce noise and produce cleaner curves from scanned or compressed images. Start with Speckle Size: 4, Smooth corners: 0.5.
Step 5 — Click OK and review: the traced SVG paths appear on top of the original raster image. Click OK, then delete the underlying raster image (it is still present beneath the traced paths). The SVG paths are now the working vector.
For best results with the Logo Vectorizer online tool: the same principles apply — high contrast, clean source images produce clean vectors. Use the Logo Vectorizer for a faster, AI-powered alternative that handles complex logos without requiring Inkscape setup.