Expert: Amy - 8/1/2005

Question
I have adobe Illustrator's latest version 11 cs whatever anyway, I have the CutContour plug ins set, what I need to know is how to outline an image with out using the tablet and simply drawing an outline is there a easier faster way. For instance I have a Text image that I need the outline (CutContour)to be consistent with each letter. Thanks  

Answer
Hi Dale,

There really is no way to instantly and accurately create a vector image (Illustrator artwork) from an imported raster image (your text image) without the help of some third party software ($).

You really have to re-create the artwork in Illustrator in order to get good results. Basically, you do end up manually tracing the imported image.

There is an auto trace tool in Illustrator (please see your help file for its location in version CS) but it lacks control-ability. I usually place the image into Illustrator, Lock it into position, then use the pen and pencil tools in Illustrator to create a vector image on top of it. Sounds like this is the path you've chosen.

If there are fonts in the image, like the one you're trying to outline, I try to use real fonts that look similar to those used in the image instead of tracing them. I can usually find a font that's close to the original. And once I convert the font to outlines, I can modify each letter independently to match the original exactly.

Yes. It is time-consuming. If you're looking for quick versus accurate, give the auto-trace tool a try - maybe the results are good enough for the job you're doing???

For future reference, there are a number of products that claim to be able to trace raster artwork automatically. Some listed here are shareware, some are costly. I don't know your budget but it might be worth your time to look at this page:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/bitmaptovector/

Incidentally, they say that Flash can do a pretty good job converting bitmaps to vector graphics. Lots of people own that.

Perhaps the most well-known but most costly product is Adobe Streamline. I have heard it is still the best at raster-vector conversions.
http://www.adobe.com/products/streamline/main.html

I hope something here points you in the right direction!
Amy