Vector Magic

What Vector Magic is

Vector Magic converts bitmap images into vector images through a browser tool or desktop application. The online edition accepts JPG, PNG, BMP, and GIF files and can export SVG, EPS, and PDF. The desktop edition adds AI and DXF output and can convert images offline. Automatic setting detection starts the tracing process; users can inspect the full-color result, adjust settings, and edit it. Desktop controls include advanced vectorization settings, batch processing, transparency support, and support for large images, within the edition’s image-size limits. The desktop app also supports copy-paste and drag-and-drop workflows with graphics software such as Illustrator and CorelDRAW. Online users can upload, vectorize, and preview images without a commitment, but downloading results requires a subscription. The desktop trial also supports previews, while saving remains disabled until activation with a purchased license. Online Edition costs $9.95 a month, billed monthly. Desktop Edition costs $295, paid once and covers one user on two computers, using the same license for PC and Mac. Vector Magic is available for macOS, Windows, and the web, and is operated by Cedar Lake Ventures, Inc., founded in December 2007.

Who it suits

Vector Magic suits people who need to turn bitmap artwork into editable vector files, whether they prefer a browser or desktop workflow. The desktop edition is suited to offline conversion, batch processing, and workflows involving Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

Limits

Online users can upload, vectorize, and preview without commitment, but need a subscription to download results. The desktop trial allows previews but disables saving until activation with a purchased license. Desktop images have a hard limit of 20 megapixels on Windows and 5 megapixels on Mac.

Getting started

1. Open the Vector Magic website to use the browser-based edition.
2. Upload a JPG, PNG, BMP, or GIF image and preview the vector result.
3. Subscribe to the Online Edition to download online results.
4. For offline conversion, use the desktop edition on macOS or Windows.
5. Activate the desktop software with a purchased license to save results.

Verdict

Choose Vector Magic to convert bitmap images into vector formats, with browser and desktop options and editable tracing results. Look elsewhere if you need to download online results without a subscription or save desktop trial conversions before buying a license.