Creating a path for an image

[Roxon]

I have a simple image in PSD format (black on transparent background). It's a company logo mainly composed of letters. Can I create a path around it to be able to transform it into an Illustrator object? (Therefore apply any effects/styles). I managed to outline it (by using Effects/Path/Outline object) which allows me to apply a fill color and gradient but that still won't allow me to transform the object or apply styles...

Thanks,

Chantal

 

[sierra1]

There are three ways to do this, depending on how simple or complex your image is:
1. Use the AutoTrace tool in Illustrator to trace the logo as a vector object by clicking on the edges. It's located under the Bend tool button I think. It only works with quite simple shapes so you may have to trace a few shapes, use the direct selection arrow to clean them up and then use the Pathfinder tools to make it a compound object.
2. Use Adobe Streamline. This is a much more powerful version of the above tool but it is a seperate piece of software.
3. Redraw it manually using the Pen tool.

I would say the AutoTrace tool sounds like what you want.

 

[Guest_imported]

I have a 4th solution that I prefer: the Extensis "make work path" tool. It allows you to set parameters like choke and tolerance, producing fast and elegant shapes.

greetings,
JB