Potrace
Potrace is an open source bitmap tracing tool used to convert bitmap images into vector graphics. It produces high-quality vector images by tracing the outlines of a bitmap image. Potrace is useful for converting JPG, PNG, TIFF and other raster images into SVG or PDF files.
tracing
bitmap-to-vector
raster-to-vector
png-to-svg
jpg-to-pdf
Potrace: Open Source Bitmap Tracing Tool
Convert bitmap images into vector graphics with high-quality tracing results for JPG, PNG, TIFF and other raster images to SVG or PDF files.
What is Potrace?
Potrace is an open source bitmap tracing utility used to convert bitmap images into vector graphics. It takes a bitmap image such as JPG, GIF, PNG as input and produces a smooth, high quality vector image by tracing the outlines of the original bitmap.
Some key features of Potrace include:
- Converts bitmap images into industry standard vector image formats like SVG, PDF, DXF, and PostScript
- Traces outlines of the input image rather than re-drawing it from scratch, preserving design intent
- Produces high quality vector graphics with smooth curves, using Bezier splines
- Maintains optimal balance between detail and smoothness through parameter adjustments
- Lightweight, command-line interface suitable for batch processing images
- Available on Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms
- Free and open source software published under the GNU General Public License
Potrace is a versatile graphics utility for designers, developers, and engineers looking to convert their bitmap images into scalable and editable vector formats. It strikes a good balance between preserving detail and simplifying curves. The output vector images can be easily edited in vector graphics software like Inkscape and Adobe Illustrator.
Potrace Features
Features
- Converts bitmap images to vector graphics
- Supports common bitmap formats like JPG, PNG, TIFF
- Open source and free
- Command line interface
- Library APIs available
- Produces high quality vector outlines
- Output to SVG, PDF, PostScript
- Multiplatform - runs on Linux, Mac, Windows
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Free and open source
Simple and lightweight
Fast processing of images
Clean vector outlines
Wide platform and format support
Cons
Limited to basic vector tracing
No GUI or image editing capabilities
Steep learning curve for command line usage
Lacks some advanced vector features
Minimal documentation
Official Links
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