In computer graphics, vectorization refers to the process of using software and hardware technology/services to convert raster graphics into vector graphics.

Popular applications:

• In computer-aided design (CAD) drawings (blueprints etc.) are scanned, vectorized and written as CAD files in a process called paper-to-CAD conversion or drawing conversion.
• In geographic information systems (GIS) satellite or aerial images are vectorized to create maps.
• In graphic design and photography, graphics and photographs can be vectorized, which is often done through a vectorizer plugin for Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, but can also be done manually. Graphics can be vectorized for better usage and resizing, often without a change in appearance. Vectorizing a photograph will likely change its appearance from "photographic" to "painted" or "drawn"; the photograph may even be transformed into a silhouette. One function of vectorizing a photograph is to be able to integrate it into a geometric design such as a logo.

A photograph in JPEG format, 25 kB

The photograph at left vectorized with RaveGrid, 1.64 MB

Same photograph vectorized with AutoTrace in the Delineate GUI, 677 kB

Same photograph vectorized with Inkscape's "Trace Bitmap" function, 1.05 MB

See also

• Scanning
• Digitizing
• CAD data exchange
• Rasterisation is the opposite process (converting vector graphics to raster graphics)
• Comparison of raster to vector conversion software
• Optical character recognition