How to Vectorize Black and White Clip Art in CorelDRAW

Vectorizing black and white clip art in CorelDRAW transforms pixel-based raster graphics into clean, scalable vector paths that can be resized without any loss of quality. By utilizing CorelDRAW's built-in PowerTRACE engine, you can quickly convert raster bitmaps into fully editable line art, eliminate background elements, and refine shapes using standard node-editing tools. This guide outlines the exact, step-by-step process to achieve a clean vector conversion.

Step 1: Import and Prepare the Clip Art

  1. Open CorelDRAW and create a new document.
  2. Go to File > Import (or press Ctrl + I) to bring your black and white clip art bitmap onto the canvas.
  3. If the image resolution is excessively high or low, select the image, navigate to Bitmaps > Resample, and set the resolution to around 300 DPI for optimal tracing accuracy.
  4. Ensure the image is strictly monochrome; if it has color fringing or gray artifacts, go to Bitmaps > Mode > Black and White (1-bit) to create a high-contrast graphic.

Step 2: Open PowerTRACE

  1. Click on the imported clip art using the Pick Tool.
  2. Look at the top property bar and click Trace Bitmap.
  3. Select Outline Trace, then choose either Line Art (best for simple, thin-lined drawings) or Clip Art (best for solid fills and varied line weights).
  4. The PowerTRACE window will open, displaying a side-by-side or split preview of the original bitmap and the traced vector result.

Step 3: Adjust the Trace Settings

Fine-tune the sliders on the right-hand panel to optimize the output:

  • Detail: Increase this slider to capture fine elements and small gaps. Lower it to remove unwanted noise or stray pixels.
  • Smoothing: Adjust this to round out jagged pixel edges. Avoid setting it too high to prevent sharp corners from rounding off.
  • Corner Smoothness: Increase this if you want sharp corners to remain crisp and distinct.
  • Delete original image: Check this box under the Options section to automatically remove the underlying raster graphic after tracing.
  • Remove background: Check this option and choose Automatically or use the eyedropper tool to ensure the white background is discarded, leaving only the black vector shapes.

Step 4: Finalize and Clean Up the Vector

  1. Click OK once the preview looks clean.
  2. Select the traced artwork and press Ctrl + U (or click Object > Group > Ungroup Objects) to break the vector into individual paths.
  3. Use the Pick Tool to select and delete any unwanted stray shapes, specks, or residual background elements.
  4. Select the Shape Tool (F10) to inspect the nodes. You can select clusters of nodes and click Reduce Nodes on the property bar to simplify paths and ensure perfectly smooth curves.
  5. If the artwork consists of multiple parts that should stay together, reselect all elements and press Ctrl + G to group them, or use the Weld tool to combine overlapping shapes into a single vector path.