How to Convert PNG Image to AI File Manually
Have a PNG logo, icon, or sketch that becomes blurry when resized? Then, converting it into an AI file can solve the problem. Adobe Illustrator AI files are vector based that means they stay sharp at any size and can be edited professionally for printing, and graphic design projects.
In this blog, you will learn how to convert PNG image to AI using different methods. You will find here manual methods using Adobe illustrator and automated methods for easy and bulk conversion. So, without any further ado, let’s begin.
What is a PNG File?
A PNG file is a raster image format that is made of pixels. PNG files are used for:
- Website graphics
- Transparent images
- Social media posts
- Logos
- Screenshots
You should know that PNG images work well online. However, they lose quality when you resize them. This is because they are pixel-based.
What is an AI File?
An AI file is the native vector format of Adobe Illustrator. AI files use mathematical paths instead of pixels.
AI allows you to:
- Resize graphics without quality loss
- Edit shapes and colors
- Create scalable logos and illustrations
PNG vs AI – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | PNG | AI |
|---|---|---|
| File Type | Raster | Vector |
| Scalability | Loses quality when enlarged | Infinite scaling |
| Editing | Limited | Fully editable |
| Best For | Web graphics | Professional design |
| Transparency | Supported | Supported |
| Printing Quality | Medium | High |
| File Structure | Pixels | Paths & anchor points |
When Should You Convert PNG to AI?
It is only useful to convert PNG to AI when:
- You want high quality logo printing
- Need editable artwork
- Want to enlarge size for banners or posters
- Require screen printing files
- Need Vinyl cutting graphics
- Require Scalable branding materials
Let us explain with an example. A small PNG logo may look fine on a website, but looks blurry on a billboard or t-shirt. AI files solve this issue because vectors remain sharp at every size.
Manual Methods to Convert PNG Image to AI
There are several manual methods to convert raster images into vector files. We’ll explain all the methods one by one in detail below. Please follow them.
Method 1: Using Image Trace in Illustrator
This one is the easiest and most popular manual method.
- Launch Adobe Illustrator and then create a new document.
- Go to the File and select Place
- Then, select your PNG image and then place it on the artboard.
- Click the image using the Selection Tool and see the Image Trace option in the top toolbar.
- Now, go to Window and select Image Trace
- Choose a preset
Best preset for PNG conversion:
| Image Type | Recommended Preset |
|---|---|
| Logo | Black and White Logo |
| Colored Logo | 3 Colors or 6 Colors |
| Sketch | Sketched Art |
| Icon | Silhouettes |
| Photo | High Fidelity Photo |
- Adjust trace settings
- Preview the results
- Now, go to Object >> Image Trace >> Expand
- Delete unwanted shapes, smooth edges and clean up the artwork
- At last, go to File and select Save as
- Choose Adobe Illustrator (AI) and click Save.
So, that’s how to convert PNG file to AI with the Image Trace in Illustrator. This method is time consuming and requires users to have advanced image editing skills. If you want another option to turn raster files into vectors, read on.
Method 2: Manually Trace PNG Using the Pen Tool
Manual tracing offers cleaner and more professional output.
This method is best for:
- Logos
- Typography
- Sharp icons
- Print graphics
Please follow the steps below:
- Import the PNG into Illustrator.
- Open the Layers panel and then lock the image layer.
- Select the Pen tool and carefully trace
- Edges
- Curves
- Shapes
- Letters
- Add colors and Strokes and apply
- Stroke widths
- Gradients
- Shape adjustments
- Direct selection tool / Smooth tool to refine curves
- Finally, save as an AI.
So, that’s how to convert PNG image to AI using the Pen Tool. This method works fine, but it also requires advanced editing skills from the users.
Which Method is Better?
| Method | Best For | Quality | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image Trace | Simple logos & icons | Good | Fast |
| Pen Tool | Professional artwork | Excellent | Slow |
| Hybrid Workflow | Most designers | Best balance | Medium |
Most professional designers use a hybrid workflow:
- They start with Image Trace
- Then, clean manually
- And redraw difficult areas
If you have higher image editing skills and are already familiar with Adobe Illustrator, these methods are best for you. However, if you have a large image collection, and want to convert it in minutes with manual effort and editing skill, the professional tool is more suitable for you.
Professional Method to Convert PNG Images to AI
The 4n6 Image converter is the easiest to use and smartest way to convert raster PNG files to vector AI files. This software does not require you to have advanced skills to convert PNG to AI. It does not even require much intervention from you. It quickly and automatically converts multiple PNG files to AI in a single operation with just a few clicks from you.
The download button above gives you a free trial of the software. So, download it now and also follow easy steps below to learn how this tool works.
Steps by Step Guide to Batch Convert PNG Files to AI
- Download PNG converter software and launch it.
- Click the Open tab and choose the PNG Files option from the drop-down menu.
- Thereafter, browse, select and import PNG files into the software.
- Click the Export button and then choose the AI option in the drop-down menu.
- Lastly, select the destination path and then hit the Save button..
Done! You only have to follow these simple steps to convert PNG logo into Illustrator format. Now, if you prefer to learn more about this tool and its advantages over manual methods, read on.
Why Should You Choose PNG to AI Converter?
- Convert PNG images to Adobe Illustrator files at the same time.
- Preserve image quality and resolution during conversion.
- Automates the entire conversion and reduces manual effort.
- Does not require users to have advanced image editing skills.
- Vectorize PNG image to AI for banners, and Vinyl cutting graphics.
- Convert thousands of PNG files to AI in minutes.
- Save output files to internal and external drives without hassle.
- Offers you a preview of files before converting in AI image.
- Also allows you to convert PNG to JPG and other image files.
- Completely standalone and does not require you to use Adobe Illustrator or Pen tool.
Can Online PNG to AI Converters Work?
Yes, they can work but only for simple graphics.
PNG to AI online converters may work for:
- Basic icons
- Flat logos
However, they generally struggle with:
- Text clarity
- Smooth curves
- Complex artwork
- Print ready precision
Best Practices for High Quality PNG to AI Conversion
- You need to use high resolution images as cleaner the input, the cleaner output.
- You must increase contrast before tracing
- Try to avoid complex photos
- Also manually edit your final artwork
In Conclusion
In the content above, we have explained manual methods and professional tools to convert PNG image to AI. You can review the manual method that offers a multi-steps process and is suitable for those who are familiar with the working of the Illustrator. However, if you don’t have advanced image editing skills and want to convert hundreds of PNG images to AI easily without effort, the automated PNG to AI converter is best for you.
We suggest you review all the methods and use the one that works best for you.
