How to Convert a Low-Res Logo to a Vector (Step-by-Step)

How to Convert a Low-Res Logo to a Vector (Step-by-Step)

What You’ll Need:

  • A copy of the low-res logo (JPG/PNG)

  • A vector editing program like:

    • Adobe Illustrator (Best Option)

    • CorelDRAW

    • Inkscape (Free & Open Source)

    • Vector Magic (AI-powered, online tool)

🎯 Step 1: Import Your Logo

  • Open your logo image in Adobe Illustrator (or your tool of choice)

  • Make sure it’s placed on a new artboard

✏️ Step 2: Use “Image Trace” (Adobe Illustrator)

In Illustrator:

  1. Select the image

  2. Go to Window > Image Trace

  3. Choose a preset:

    • Black and White Logo – for simple one-color logos

    • High Fidelity Photo – for detailed/multi-color logos

  4. Click Preview to see how it looks

🎨 Tip: Adjust Threshold and Paths settings for better edge detection

🔁 Step 3: Expand & Clean It Up

Once satisfied:

  • Click Expand (top toolbar) — this turns the traced image into vector paths

  • Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to:

    • Remove background shapes

    • Fix stray points

    • Edit curves if needed

✨ Step 4: Rebuild With Pen Tool (Optional but Best)

If the logo is too pixelated or the trace is messy:

  • Use the Pen Tool (P) to manually re-draw the logo by tracing over the image

  • Add text again using matching fonts (try WhatTheFont to identify fonts)

🧠 Manual vectorizing gives the cleanest, print-ready results for professional logos.

💾 Step 5: Save in Vector Format

Save or export as:

  • AI – for Adobe Illustrator projects

  • EPS – for universal printing

  • SVG – for websites and apps (lightweight & scalable)

  • PDF – for print sharing

🧠 Bonus: Use These Tools If You Don’t Have Illustrator

Tool Use Case
Inkscape (Free) Manual trace using Bezier tool
Vector Magic (Online) Quick auto-trace for clean logos
Photopea (Online, Free) Edit paths but limited vector output
CorelDRAW Ideal for print and signage industries

🛑 What to Avoid

❌ Using Photoshop for vector conversion — it’s raster-based
❌ Upscaling the JPG — it won’t improve clarity
❌ Saving as SVG without vectorizing — it’ll still be blurry
❌ Skipping font re-embedding — it can cause display issues on other devices

🔧 Prefer a Pro Touch?

We can:

  • Cleanly redraw your logo into vector format

  • Match your fonts and colors exactly

  • Deliver AI, EPS, PDF, and SVG versions

  • Provide print-ready and web-ready logo kits

📩 Just upload your logo, and we’ll handle the heavy lifting!

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