Converting Line Art to 3D Printable Objects: Step 3: Trace the Bitmap Image

Step 3: Trace the Bitmap Image

The process will be a little different depending on the application that you are using.

Tracing in Adobe Illustrator

1. Select the Image/Object
2. Select Object > Image Trace > Make and Expand
3. Select Object > Ungroup

The image should now be traced. If something didn't come out quite right, you can use Control-Z or Command-Z to step back and remove the trace. You can change the trace setting by opening the Tracing Control Panel: Select Window > Image Trace. You can also use the other tools in Illustrator to make edits to the drawing.

Tracing in Inkscape

1. Select the image
2. Select Path > Trace Bitmap
3. In the Single scan: creates a path section, select Edge detection and click OK
4. Select the bitmap and delete it
5. Use the erase tool to remove any stray paths

If something doesn't come out quite right, use Control-Z or Command-Z to step back and try again.

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