Is there an efficient way to convert images to vector images like .eps, .ai, etc.?

Is there any way to create a vector image from a jpeg, png, etc.? I can convert images to binary contours, but that is about as far as I got. I am getting stuck on tracing the contour then exporting the data to an eps file.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions!

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

I recommend that you use the MATLAB File Exchange contribution export_fig which is more likely to get the result correct than using the normal routines.

Answer 2

[Image Analyst]

You can type "imformats" on the command line to see what imwrite() supports. If it's not there, then you're going to have to look for a custom file writer to do the job. You can look in the File Exchange.

Answer 3

[Jan]

As far as I understand, you have a file in pixel format and want to vectorize it. This is neither a problem for IMWRITE nor for EXPORT_FIG, but the problem is the division of the pixel image into areas.

[Walter Roberson]

export_fig can deal with converting to sva which is, I gather, vectorized.

[DGM]

The exported svg will contain vector objects where possible (e.g. the figure background, line objects, titles, labels, ticks), but raster cdata displayed with imshow()/image() are simply embedded as raster images.

That might allow something which has full SVG support to read the file, but it doesn't actually vectorize the raster content.

% a super-simple image
inpict = zeros(100);
inpict(25:75,25:75) = 1;
imagesc(inpict)

% export to svg
set(gcf,'renderer','painters');
export_fig 'testme.svg'

If I'm doing this wrong, I'm open to suggestions. Export_fig() is like a swiss army knife with just enough blades to make you doubt you're using the right one.

[Jan]

@DGM: You hit the point. export_fig does not vectorize raster images. This is a job for an external tool line InkScape (free), PhotoShop or Corel Painter.

Answer 4

[Richard McCulloch]

Walter's answer led me to my optimal result:

saveas(gcf,'Name','ai')

This format looks like it is going to be discontinued in further releases (I'm on 2012b) so the suggested solution is:

saveas(gcf,'Name.eps')

which works, but then has to be converted to ai for my particular application. Thank you all for your answers. Sorry I can only accept one, you all helped. :)

Richard