Tracing Outline of image

[Ollie143]

Hey there,

I am using Adobe Illustrator to edit wmf type files and had a couple of questions.

1. Is there any way to trace just the outline of an image and get rid of all the stuff in the middle?

exp. If I had a circle with dots in the middle, can I take the outline of the circle only, and get rid of the dots in the middle?...These images are a lot more complicated than that.

2. What is the easiest way to take the outline of a comlicated image, and straigten it out.

exp. The wing of a bird has feathers sticking out in a comlicated way. I want to make the line much simpler.
Like this )

 

[askIllustrator]

LOL, I like your examples. Try clicking and holding on the pencil tool to reveal the smooth tool. Select a messy path and drag the smooth tool over the heavy areas. You can double click on the tool to change its sensitivity. When that just wont work use the pencil tool in the same way to simply re-direct the path. BEHOLD! As Steve Jobs introduces us the latest in desk-lamp technology!

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