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AutoTrace

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

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AutoTrace's own site

What AutoTrace is

AutoTrace is a free desktop program for converting bitmap images into vector graphics. It can trace shape outlines or centerlines, reduce colors, and despeckle images to reduce noise. Listed input formats include PNG, BMP, TGA, PNM, and GF; ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick adds JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and other formats. Output formats include SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, DXF, CGM, EMF, MIF, ER, and Fig. The project documents command-line conversion and use through the libautotrace library. Installation options include package managers for macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD, Windows installers, or building from source. A source build requires a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are optional dependencies. The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later, while the library uses LGPL v2.1 or later. The latest listed release is 0.31.10. The project README describes the graphical frontend as inactive and directs users to its issue tracker for support and contributions.

Who it suits

AutoTrace suits people who need command-line bitmap tracing or want to use the libautotrace library. It may also suit users comfortable installing desktop software or building it from source.

What it does well

  • Free desktop software.
  • Can trace outlines or centerlines.
  • Offers color reduction and despeckling.
  • Supports multiple vector output formats.
  • Documented installation options include Windows installers.

What to know first

  • Graphical frontend is described as inactive.
  • Source builds require a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer.
  • Some input formats require ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick.

Limits

The Free plan costs nothing. Source builds require a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are optional dependencies. The graphical frontend is described as inactive.

Getting started

  1. Open the AutoTrace project website on GitHub.
  2. Choose a package-manager installation on macOS or Linux, or a Windows installer.
  3. For a source build, use a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer.
  4. Optionally install libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick for a source build.
  5. Use the documented command-line conversion or libautotrace library.

Verdict

AutoTrace provides bitmap-to-vector conversion with command-line and library use, plus multiple output formats. Its inactive graphical frontend and optional dependencies for expanded input formats may shape how you use it.

Questions

How much does AutoTrace cost?

The listed Free plan costs nothing.

Which platforms are available?

The listed platforms are Linux, macOS, and Windows. The README also lists package-manager installation for FreeBSD.

What input and output formats does it support?

Listed inputs include PNG, BMP, TGA, PNM, and GF. ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick adds JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and other formats; outputs include SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, DXF, CGM, EMF, MIF, ER, and Fig.

Does AutoTrace have a graphical interface?

The README describes the graphical frontend as inactive.

What are its licensing terms?

The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later, and libautotrace under LGPL v2.1 or later.

What is needed to build it from source?

A C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer are required. libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are listed as optional dependencies.

Facts from AutoTrace's own pages

Author
The README names Martin Weber as the original developer and lists him under Author. · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
Build requirement
Building from source requires GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are listed as optional dependencies. · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
Build requirements
Building from source requires a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are listed as optional. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Founded
1998 · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
Image cleanup
It includes color reduction and despeckling features. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Input formats
Listed input formats include PNG, BMP, TGA, PNM, and GF; ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick adds JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and other formats. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Installation
The README lists macOS Homebrew and MacPorts, Fedora/RHEL and Arch Linux packages, FreeBSD packages, Windows installers, and source builds. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
License
The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later, and the libautotrace library under LGPL v2.1 or later. · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
Licensing
The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later and the library under LGPL v2.1 or later. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Notable limitation
The README describes the GUI frontend as inactive. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Output formats
Listed output formats include SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, DXF, CGM, EMF, MIF, and Fig. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Purpose
AutoTrace converts bitmap images to vector graphics. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Release
The releases page lists version 0.31.10 as the latest release. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Release note
The 0.31.10 release notes list ImageMagick 7 support, addressed HKUST CVEs, and Windows 32-bit and 64-bit installers. · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
Support
The README directs users to the GitHub issue tracker and welcomes contributions. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Support and contributions
The README directs users to the issue tracker and welcomes contributions including bug fixes, documentation, format support, and image-editor plugins. · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
Tracing
It supports outline and centerline tracing of shapes. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026
Usage
The project documents command-line conversion and use as the libautotrace library. · github.com, 29 Sept 2026

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