How to Convert a JPEG or PNG to Vector in Inkscape

We are going to show you how to convert a JPEG or PNG to a vector in Inkscape. There may be times when you require a vector design for projects, such as our Free SVG Cut files. We will be using the Trace Bitmap function to achieve this. So let’s get started with this guide on converting a JPEG or PNG to a vector in Inkscape.

Ensure that your file has been downloaded and unzipped. If you are unsure how to do this, take a look at our guide on how to unzip a zip file on your PC.

During this tutorial we will be using this mother's day SVG and a bee sticker PNG.

Step 1 - Open your JPEG or PNG Images

Open Inkscape then go to the File menu at the top and click on Open. Locate your folder with your images then select the one you want to convert to a vector. Click on Open. We chose to use the PNG file.

When opening either a JPEG or PNG file, a new window will open. If you open a JPEG file, the import window will be called jpeg bitmap image import. In our case, we opened a PNG file so the window will show as png bitmap image import.

Leave all settings as is and click on OK.

Step 2 - Use Trace Bitmap on Single Color

In order to create a vector, we need to trace the image first. Once your file has been opened in Inkscape click on the image to select it. You can either go to Path > Trace bitmap or right click > Trace Bitmap.

The Trace Bitmap window will open with a selection of settings. Now, the type of image that you are tracing will depend on the settings chosen. If you don’t see anything in the Preview window, click on Update.

For this example, our image is black and white. So we will be using the Single Scan option under Trace Bitmap. This works best for images with a single color although you can use it with a color image.

Each time you make a change you will need to click on Update to view the changes. We are going to use Brightness Cutoff, which is automatically selected. You are welcome to experiment with the other options in the drop down menu. Remember to click Update to see the changes.

Leave all other settings as is and click on OK. You may not see anything change on your image. This is because the trace is placed on top of the original image. You can click on the traced image and move it to the side to see the result.

You can click on the “X” on the Trace Bitmap window to close it. You can also delete the original PNG image as it’s no longer needed. Reposition and resize the design as needed.

Vector images are edible with nodes. With the design selected, click on the Edit paths by nodes tool on the left side. You will see that nodes are now visible. Each and every node can be edited as needed to change the design.

Step 3 - Trace a Color Image

What if you want to trace a color image? If you applied the same Single Scan settings to a color image, it will trace as black and white.

We need to click on Multiple Scans and choose the Colors from the drop down menu. Make sure that the boxes are ticked for Smooth, Stack and Remove Background. Leave the rest of the settings as is.

Click on OK then move the trace to the side so you can see the result.

Step 4 - Ungroup the Vector Trace

Now that you have converted the PNG color image to a vector, you can ungroup it. This will allow you to work on individual areas of the design and check everything was traced. You can go to Object > Ungroup or right click > Ungroup.

When you ungroup a multiple scan image, you will most likely have quite a few layers. As seen in the image below, when separated, we have seven individually scanned layers.

You will not be able to ungroup the black and white design as it only has a single scan. However, once saved as a SVG, the trace can be used as a cut file. Here the image shows clear cut lines in Silhouette Studio.

Once you are happy with your entire vector design go to File > Save as then choose your preferred format. You have successfully converted a JPEG or PNG image to a vector in Inkscape. You can now happily use your vector files in your projects.