Convert any image to vector graphic ?

[Rye]

Since I got some images I'd like to try and convert to vector images I'll just right out ask:

Is it possible to have Imagemagick create vector images from multiple lets say png's I have ?

Thanks for an answer in advance.

[snibgo]

Sorry, no. IM can convert from vector to raster, but not raster to vector.

Inkscape can do this ("trace bitmap"), and other tools are available.

[Rye]

Can Inkscape batchprocess images ?

[snibgo]

To some degree, though it is really an interactive program. I don't know if it can trace bitmaps in batch. Potrace (http://potrace.sourceforge.net/) may be better for you.

[fmw42]

See autotrace or svg if on unix.

http://www.imagemagick.org/Usage/draw/#other
http://www.imagemagick.org/Usage/draw/#svg_output
http://www.imagemagick.org/Usage/transform/#edge_vector

[Rye]

Well since Potrace obviously only converts images to black and white: http://potrace.sourceforge.net/mkbitmap.html

I shall try that even if it means I have to use my linux environment.

[snibgo]

Potrace just finds edges and makes paths. You can use IM to do colour-separation first, then edit the SVG output from Potrace as appropriate.

If you supply a sample image and what you are trying to do with it, advice can be more specific.

[Rye]

According to this http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1132 ... magemagick Imagemagick can do it with autotrace etc. as support app ?

Image to test:

[snibgo]

And what vectors do you want? If you want a load of small circles, negate the image first (eg with potrace "-i" or IM "-negate"). In potrace, you'll want "-t 0" to capture even the smallest stars. You'll probably also want to play with -k, --fillcolor and others. See potrace documentation.

[Rye]

However I need a colored vector image.

Can Potrace do this ?

[fmw42]

I do not think a raster image can be effectively vectorized? You will get millions of vectors if not a fault because there are too many. You probably cannot vectorize such a raster image, only ones with a few constant color regions. But I will defer to those others who know more about vectorizing.

[snibgo]

Potrace won't decide on the colours for the vectors.

[anthony]

The only effective vectorisation tool I have seen for colored images involves using vector data that is not available generally to vector images.

One example was a IFS (fractal generator) method that was never made public (tried to be commercial).
You example image for example would compress extremely well using a IFS image format, as it has a lot of fractal like information in it.

Another is the use of Diffusion Curves. which defines colors along edges, and then generated gradients from those colors.
http://maverick.inria.fr/Publications/2 ... /index.php

But no generally color images do not vectorise easilly, at least not without a lot of simplification, and color distortions.