Trace Image

Vectorize a raster image into editable paths. Live preview with node count and boundary cropping.

The Trace Image dialog converts a raster image into vector paths. Useful for cutting clean lines from a scanned drawing, vectorizing a logo for sharp engraving, or turning a photograph silhouette into an outline.

When it opens

Menu: Image → Trace Image (or Alt+T), with a raster image selected.

What you see

Left: the source image, with a draggable selection rectangle for cropping the trace to a sub-region.

Right: live SVG preview of the trace. Control nodes are marked.

Below: trace parameters.

Fields

Field	Type	Notes
Threshold	slider, 0–255	Brightness cutoff for what counts as "ink".
Despeckle	toggle	Remove tiny isolated regions (noise).
Blur	slider, 0–20	Pre-blur the image. Useful for noisy scans.
Min Corner Angle	degrees, 0–90	Below this angle, the tracer creates a smooth curve. Above, a corner.
Min Node Distance	px	Nodes closer than this are merged. Higher = simpler output, lower fidelity.
Mode	select	Centerline (single-pixel-wide path through the shape), Outline (closed outline of the shape), Boundary (closed outline restricted to a selected color region).
Output Color	toggle / picker	Only in Boundary mode. The color to extract.

The boundary selection on the source image (drag a rectangle) restricts the trace to a sub-region.

Buttons

Cancel: dismiss without creating vector output.
Create Vector: apply the trace and place the result on the canvas as paths.

Notes

Preview updates with a ~250 ms debounce after parameter changes.
The node count is shown to help you tune Min Node Distance: aim for as few nodes as still represent the shape.
The created paths land on the active layer. For cutting, set the layer to Line mode.
The original raster image is left in place. Move or hide it as needed.

Adjust Image: tone adjustment for raster engraving (the alternative to tracing)
Node tool: edit the traced nodes
Vector vs raster explainer
Cuts / Layers panel