AutoTrace
AutoTrace is a free desktop program that converts bitmap images into vector graphics.
What AutoTrace is
AutoTrace is a free desktop program that converts 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; adding ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick extends input support to 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. Users can install it through package managers on macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD, use Windows installers, or build it from source. A source build needs a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are optional dependencies. The program uses GPL v2 or later, while the library uses LGPL v2.1 or later. The project README describes the graphical frontend as inactive.
Good
- Traces both outlines and shape centerlines.
- Offers color reduction and despeckling.
- Exports to SVG, EPS, PDF, and other vector formats.
- Free, with documented command-line and library use.
Watch out
- The graphical frontend is described as inactive.
- Some input formats require ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick.
- Building from source requires a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer.
Who it suits
AutoTrace suits users who want to convert bitmap art to vector formats through command-line workflows or the library. It is available for desktop systems including Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Verdict
AutoTrace offers bitmap tracing and a broad set of vector outputs for command-line and library workflows. Users looking for a graphical interface should note that its frontend is inactive.
The facts
Each one read from AutoTrace's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Author
- The README names Martin Weber as the original developer and lists him under Author.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Build requirement
- Building from source requires GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are listed as optional dependencies.checked 28 Sep 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.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Image cleanup
- It includes color reduction and despeckling features.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Input formats
- Listed input formats include PNG, BMP, TGA, PNM, and GF; ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick adds JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and other formats.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Installation
- The README lists macOS Homebrew and MacPorts, Fedora/RHEL and Arch Linux packages, FreeBSD packages, Windows installers, and source builds.checked 29 Sep 2026
- License
- The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later, and the libautotrace library under LGPL v2.1 or later.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Licensing
- The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later and the library under LGPL v2.1 or later.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Notable limitation
- The README describes the GUI frontend as inactive.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Output formats
- Listed output formats include SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, DXF, CGM, EMF, MIF, and Fig.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- AutoTrace converts bitmap images to vector graphics.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Release
- The releases page lists version 0.31.10 as the latest release.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Release note
- The 0.31.10 release notes list ImageMagick 7 support, addressed HKUST CVEs, and Windows 32-bit and 64-bit installers.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Support
- The README directs users to the GitHub issue tracker and welcomes contributions.checked 29 Sep 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.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Tracing
- It supports outline and centerline tracing of shapes.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Usage
- The project documents command-line conversion and use as the libautotrace library.checked 29 Sep 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1998checked 28 Sep 2026
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