Detailed tutorial for converting PNG to SVG using Inkscape's Trace Bitmap feature.
Inkscape is the best free desktop tool for converting PNG to SVG with fine control over the tracing process. Here's a detailed tutorial.
Step 1: Install and Import
Download Inkscape from inkscape.org. Open it and import your PNG via File → Import. Position the image on the canvas.
Step 2: Open Trace Bitmap
Select the imported image and go to Path → Trace Bitmap (or Shift+Alt+B). The Trace Bitmap dialog offers several modes:
- Brightness cutoff — best for black-and-white or single-color graphics
- Edge detection — traces outlines rather than filled areas
- Colors — best for multi-color graphics; set scan count to match your color count
- Autotrace — centerline tracing using the potrace engine
Step 3: Adjust and Trace
Use the Live Preview checkbox to see results before committing. Adjust the threshold slider for brightness mode, or the number of scans for color mode. Click OK when satisfied.
Step 4: Clean Up
The trace is placed on top of the original bitmap. Select and delete the bitmap underneath. Then: Path → Simplify (Ctrl+L) to reduce node count, and Path → Break Apart → Path → Union to clean up overlapping shapes.
Step 5: Save
Save as Plain SVG (not Inkscape SVG) for the cleanest output. For a quicker workflow on simple graphics, try Shape to Vector's online converter instead.