Image Vectorization: What It Is and How We Do It by Hand
Image vectorization is the process of describing a picture with geometry, meaning lines, curves and filled shapes, instead of a fixed grid of pixels. This page explains how the process works, why automated results often disappoint, and how our artists vectorize logos, illustrations and graphics manually, from $7 per image.
- Plain-English explanation of the process
- Manual vectorization, path by path
- Files supplied as AI, EPS, SVG, PDF and PNG
- 24-hour turnaround as standard
What Is Image Vectorization?
A raster image stores a color for every pixel, so enlarging it only makes the pixels bigger. A vector image stores instructions instead: anchor points, the curves between them and the colors that fill each closed shape. Vectorizing converts the first kind into the second. Because the result is math rather than pixels, it can be resized, recolored and edited without any loss.
- Anchor points placed only where curves change
- Each color a separate, editable shape
- Resolution-independent output for any size
The Stages of Our Vectorization Process
What actually happens between your upload and the finished vector file.
Reading the Source
The artist studies the image at high zoom, noting which edges are real and which are noise or compression.
Planning the Shapes
Colors are counted and grouped, and a stacking order is planned so shapes overlap the way the original intends.
Drawing the Paths
Outlines are placed with the Pen tool, using as few anchor points as each curve requires.
Rebuilding Type
Lettering is matched to a font when possible, or redrawn when it is custom or too damaged to identify.
Assigning Color
Fills are set from your brand codes, Pantone references or samples taken from the clearest part of the image.
Quality Check
A second person compares the vector with the source at several sizes before anything is delivered.
Typical Images We Vectorize
Graphics with defined shapes and flat or limited colors give the cleanest results.
Vectorization Pricing
Simple graphics start at $7 per image. Detailed crests, illustrations with many colors and images that need substantial reconstruction take longer and cost more. We review your file and email a fixed price before you pay.
- Usually ready in 24 hours
- 6-hour rush on request, extra charge may apply
- PayPal, Visa or Mastercard
- AI, EPS, SVG, PDF and PNG included
Vectorizing an Entire Archive?
Organizations sometimes discover that decades of logos, badges and artwork exist only as pixel files. We can work through an archive in stages, starting with what you need first, at a price agreed in advance.
- Priorities set by you
- Staged delivery for large archives
- Consistent file naming
- Confidentiality agreement available
This process is the core of our image to vector conversion service. For photographs specifically, read photo to vector conversion; for brand marks, vector logo conversion; and for background on formats, our guide to vector graphics.
Why Manual Vectorization Pays Off
Edges that look intentional
Straight lines are straight and curves flow, because a person decided where each one goes.
Editable for years
Clean layers and grouped colors make later changes quick for any designer.
Safe for production
No stray points, overlaps or hairline gaps to confuse printers, cutters or engravers.
An experienced team
Working since 2010 from Brooklyn, with 40+ in-house artists and a money-back guarantee.
Automatic vectorization
- Wobbly edges that follow pixel noise
- Hundreds of tiny color fragments
- Corners rounded off
- Text turned into blobs
Manual vectorization by our artists
- Edges that follow the design
- A handful of clean color shapes
- Sharp corners where intended
- Accurate, readable lettering
A Family Monogram Restored as Vector Art
Example: a couple wants to reuse an embossed monogram from old wedding stationery, but has only a phone photo of it on textured paper.
- The brief
- Recreate the intertwined letters faithfully, lose the paper texture and make it usable for new invitations and a wax seal.
- What we do
- An artist traces each letter’s flourishes as smooth outlines, resolves where strokes overlap and corrects the symmetry.
- What you receive
- Outline and filled versions in AI, EPS, SVG, PDF and PNG, ready for print, foil or engraving.
How It Works
Share the image
Upload the clearest copy and note the sizes and uses you have in mind.
See the price
An emailed quote gives the cost and turnaround; the work starts after PayPal, Visa or Mastercard payment.
Vectorize and review
An artist builds the paths; a colleague checks them against your source.
Receive the vectors
Download every format, with two free revision rounds included.
Clients on Working With Us
“I often receive jpg logos from clients who need to do signage or embroidery, where vector art is required. I’ve used Vector Design for several years and they are always extremely quick and the quality of their vector files is excellent.”Merili LoucksSignage & embroidery · Google review
“I’ve been in the promotional products industry for 45 years and they are the most efficient design company I have worked with.”Don GardinerPromotional products · Google review
“I have used their services on several projects, always timely and very professional. They are our go-to partner.”Scott TurnerRepeat client · Google review
Rated five stars in 500+ Google reviews.
Image Vectorization FAQ
What is image vectorization?
Image vectorization converts a pixel-based picture into vector graphics made of points, curves and filled shapes. The result can be scaled to any size without blurring and edited shape by shape. We do it manually: an artist redraws the image with the Pen tool rather than relying on automatic tracing.
How much does image vectorization cost?
It starts at $7 per image for straightforward graphics such as simple logos. Detailed emblems, multi-color illustrations and damaged sources need more work and are quoted accordingly. Send your file to get an exact price by email; we begin once payment is complete.
Which images vectorize well, and which don’t?
Logos, icons, illustrations, lettering and emblems convert very well because they are built from clear shapes. Full-color photographs can be vectorized too, but they become stylized art rather than a photographic copy. If you are unsure, upload the image and we describe what the result will look like.
Is vectorizing the same as increasing resolution?
No. Upscaling adds pixels by estimating new ones, and the image stays a raster file with a limit. Vectorizing replaces the pixels with shapes, so there is no resolution at all. That is why one vectorized logo can go on a pen or a billboard.
How long does vectorization take?
Most single images are delivered within 24 hours of payment. Rush service can bring that down to as little as 6 hours, with an extra charge in some cases. Large archives are scheduled in stages, with dates confirmed in the quote.
Do I get ownership of the vectorized files?
Yes. Once the order is paid, we can hand full ownership of the vector artwork to you on request, so you can edit, print and register it. Files come as AI, EPS, SVG, PDF and PNG, with two free revisions and a money-back guarantee.
Get Your Image Vectorized
Upload the image and any notes on size or color. We send an exact quote by email and start as soon as payment arrives.