How to vector (trace) an image

For starters, you'll need to know how to use the Pen Tool, since that's all there is to vectoring.
Let's use a simple image, like this one.
First we'll do the outline. Here are the settings for the Pen Tool:


These are the settings for the brush (pick the first brush in the list and enter these): Master Diameter 1 px, Hardness 100%, Opacity 100%, Flow 100%, Mode Normal, Foreground color #000000.

Choose a random point on the character's outline and left-click once. You'll notice a little grey square appear - that's an anchor point. More anchor points form a path. Below, I duplicated the background layer, blurred it and set it to Screen to make the anchor points more visible.



Now take the Convert Point Tool . You don't have any setting for this one. Create a new layer and rename it 'Outline' - to keep things organized. Click on one of the anchor points and drag it towards the right/left (I dragged it towards the right).



Two little arrows which look like coordinates (I don't know if this is the exact term to describe it) will appear. Each anchor point has 2 arrows. These will help you in shaping your path, since you'll need rounded outlines for a good-looking vector. Click on one of the arrows and drag it until you overlap the outline of the original picture. I did so with both arrows.



For the final step of the outline, right-click and select the option 'Stroke Path..' and Brush. And there you have it, the outline! Of course, you can modify the Master Diameter to your needs. 2 px is what I usually use.



For the coloring, create paths using the same method as for the outlines and select 'Fill Path...' and select a color. That's it! ^_^

This tutorial was written by Olivia. No part may be reproduced without the author's approval.