How to Trace an Image in Photoshop on Windows or Mac

Introduction

Photoshop is a powerful tool that allows users to manipulate images in numerous ways. One of the useful features in Photoshop is the ability to trace an image, which can be handy for various purposes such as creating digital art or converting a raster image into a vector graphic.

Steps to Trace an Image in Photoshop

1. Open Photoshop: Launch Adobe Photoshop on your Windows or Mac computer.
2. Import Image: Open the image you want to trace by going to File > Open or by dragging the image into the Photoshop workspace.
3. Create New Layer: Go to the Layers panel and click on the New Layer icon to create a new layer for your traced image.
4. Begin Tracing: Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar. Start tracing the main shapes in your image by creating anchor points and adjusting the curves as needed.
5. Modify Anchor Points: To adjust the curves of your path, click and drag the anchor points. Use the Direct Selection Tool to refine the placement of anchor points.
6. Add Detail: Continue tracing the image by adding details and intricate elements using the Pen Tool.
7. Save Your Work: Once you have completed tracing the image, save your work in a suitable file format such as PSD or PNG.

By following these steps, you can effectively trace an image in Photoshop on your Windows or Mac device. Practice and experimentation will enhance your skills in using the Pen Tool and creating vector graphics.