VectorMagic 1.15

Overview

VectorMagic is a graphical tool to take the basic outline from a bitmap image in an image format like PNG, GIF or JPEG, and turn it a vector image. This is performed by the package by tracing out the outlines of the image and then filling in the lines and within each color segment until a realistic vector replica is created. The type of vector images created can include SVG, EPS or PDF files.

Vector graphics are useful because they are essentially computer code and mathematics. Because of this, images can scale up or down without any loss of quality. This compares with regular graphic files where doubling the size of the image means doubling up on the pixels horizontally and vertically which creates a blurring effect without adding more detail at all.

The drag and drop interface to load, convert and save images really fast is one of its most useful features.

One way to use this software is to draw an image (or have one drawn for you) and then let the software trace it out during the conversion process. This graphic can then be used for embroidery designs, interesting artwork or hip promotional posters.

The VectorMagic software is available as a desktop version for Windows and Mac, plus as an online web app. The online web app is cheaper, but it misses out on some features that the desktop apps possess.

Installation

The installation was simple enough and completed without any issues. The software did not add malicious programs.

VectorMagic requires Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8. There is also both a Mac version and an online web app.

Interface

The interface includes the encouragement to drag and drop files to the left pane for importing and converting.

The right pane for Import from Folder, Paste from Clipboard, and Batch Processing provide other ways to pull images into the VectorMagic application. Recent Folders and Recent Images are shown next as quick ways to access folder accessed within the application and images loaded in previously. There is an Update button and a More Options button at the bottom of the right pane.

Pros

• Simple interface
• Easy to understand program objective
• Nice tracing features that can run on automatic for the user
• Several ways to trace an image using the software to get different results
• Choose alternative color palettes to include in a conversion to a vector image

Cons

• Trial version has no saving option for the vector graphics created (presumably one could do a screen print of the graphic but it would not be a vector image)

Conclusion

VectorMagic is a premium utility that provides automatic tracing and conversion abilities from bitmap to vector image. There are several ways to import images and a number of ways to convert them.