On Tue, Apr 17, 2007 at 03:20:41PM -0700, Bret Kumler wrote:
I have some questions.
I'm not familiar with graphic design.
I have a jpg image which was supposed to be used to do some printing on some header bags.
Turns out I need a vector file.
How do I convert the jpg in to a vector file so they can use it to make some plate for printing purposes?
Will the vector file have all the shadows and what not of the jpg file?
Generally converting from a JPG to a vector file is pretty difficult.
However, Inkscape has a 'trace bitmap' functionality that can help in achieving this. Use File > Import to load the JPG, then select it and do Path > Trace Bitmap.
You may need to do a bit of manual touchups to get the vector really sharp and crisp. You may find the 'Path > Simplify' command useful here.
If the logo you're tracing is especially complex, or if the JPG is really poor quality, you may find it easier to just manually trace it. Use File > Import to load the logo, put it on a layer by itself and lock it, then draw over the top of it until you get something that looks right. Then delete the original logo jpg.
Good luck, Bryce