Convert Bitmaps to Vector --> Illustrator CS2

[tommylogic]

ok.. I've got a lot of questions before on converting Bitmaps to Vectors, etc.
Well it's no surprise to anyone in here I dont think that I am not an Illy fan...

in fact the only illy I like is Italian Illy Cafe Espresso... by far the best I've ever had the pleasure of running through a press in any of my shops..

Anyhow.. If you're like me and just flat out refused to learn this powerful tool, THIS is the reason to do it (I'm sure there's more, but I am no master of Illy by far).

There is a great little tool that allows you to take any scanned object or imported bitmap of just about ANY type.. once loaded in Illustrator CS2,its pretty simple:

Here's a little HOW TO: Tracing in Illustrator CS2

If you have any other helpful tips for Illustrator, I'd like to hear about them too. I see a lot of people with questions... me included

[ianm]

nothin new - that' ones been available in freehand since version 8, they probably took it from freehand :)

[tommylogic]

Yeah probably did, you know Adobe the Evil Empire they are ;) ... but still a valuable tool since Freehand has been dead now for about 5 years.
But for some of you still working in Freehand that are willing to look into (and eventually assimilate) Ian's evil empire (aka Adobe).. Here's a bit of information that might actually be constructive:

Migrating from FreeHand to Illustrator

[ianm]

it hasn't been dead for about 5 years - a lot of places still use it

[prewe]

corel draw too?

[Cwilk]

Actually the trace tool was first developed for use in Illustrator 88. I was using it that far back.

[tommylogic]

Originally Posted by ianm

it hasn't been dead for about 5 years - a lot of places still use it

make sure you know the right software - i'm having a nightmare getting a job again, and i have 5 years experience. my trouble is that i've never had the need to know quark inside out as i did everything in freehand and now i'm stuck, plus everywhere is going adobe now which is even worse.

LOL.. just kiddin with ya a bit on that.. I still keep their old MX release on my computer too.

Just saying its on ts way out and that Illustrator looks to be the choice since Adobe/Macromedia accquisition...

So anyone looking at learning it NOW or getting a job in the future should probably consider going that direction.

[Cwilk]

Another thing is that Illustrator, Freehand, and Corel Draw are not really layout software. So learning InDesign, Pagemaker or Quark is to your benefit. Don't go into an interview saying you've done page layout in an illustration software. That'll keep you from getting the job.

[ianm]

yeah, i'm actually suffering now in trying to get a job, because i haven't used quark to the extent i should have. i do everything in freehand, artworking, forms, creative design, corporate id, brochures, leaflets, advertising/DM