Core vector service

Manual Vector Tracing Services

Turn the image you have into vector artwork you can actually use. Whether your source is a low-resolution logo, scan, screenshot, or detailed illustration, Vector By Hand recreates the important shapes and details using carefully constructed vector paths.

Before and after: a dark circular emblem with a gavel and star, blurred and blocky in the original, redrawn with crisp metallic lettering and clean edges

Emblem logo · blocky lettering rebuilt with clean, consistent outlines

What this service covers

Why manual vector tracing matters

Automatic conversion can introduce uneven edges, excessive anchor points, and shapes that are difficult to edit. Our manual redraw process focuses on geometry that remains practical for future revisions, resizing, and production. We review the source rather than assuming every pixel belongs in the finished design.

What we can trace

We work from logos, line art, badges, emblems, graphics, scanned illustrations, and artwork supplied as JPG, PNG, or other reference images. Each file is reviewed for complexity and clarity before the scope is confirmed.

Built around your intended use

A vector for a website has different practical requirements from an artwork file for vinyl cutting or screen printing. Tell us the intended use, size, preferred formats, and any restrictions before production begins. We will identify whether additional prepress or machine-specific preparation is required.

From source image to editable vector

Submit your artwork; we assess it and provide a quote; our designers reconstruct the paths; you review a proof; then we supply agreed final formats. If part of the source is unreadable, we clarify how to handle that detail instead of silently inventing it.

Before & after

Relevant Before & After Work

Real client artwork: the file we received and the vector we rebuilt. The circles zoom in on the detail that changed.

Before and after: a fitness logo with a muscular figure lifting a barbell, noisy and low resolution in the original, redrawn with defined shading and sharp shield shapes
Detailed logo · muscle shading and shield geometry reconstructed
Before and after: a mining-themed badge logo with a coal cart, fuzzy in the original, redrawn with crisp lettering and clean illustrated details
Badge logo · illustrated details and lettering redrawn for print
Before and after: a black-and-white tank lines logo with a truck and oil rig, blurred in the original, redrawn as crisp single-colour vector artwork
One-colour logo · clean black-and-white paths for cutting and print

Why Vector By Hand

Why Choose Our Manual Vector Tracing Service

  • Careful reconstruction of curves, lines, lettering, and geometry
  • Editable vector file formats as agreed in the quote
  • Before-and-after proof for review
  • Optional production-oriented preparation when included in scope

Before you upload

What to Send Us

Not sure what you have? Upload it anyway. We review every file before quoting and tell you if anything is missing.

Helpful to include

  • The clearest version of the artwork you have (JPG, PNG, PDF, scan, photo or screenshot)
  • Where it will be used and at roughly what size
  • File formats you or your printer need
  • Colour references (HEX, CMYK or Pantone), if known
  • Your deadline

How it works

From Bad Artwork to Production Ready

  1. Upload Send the best artwork you have, even if it is blurry, tiny, scanned or photographed.
  2. We Review It We assess complexity, intended use and required formats before quoting.
  3. We Rebuild It A vector specialist manually reconstructs the artwork with clean, controlled geometry.
  4. You Review It Check the proof and request corrections within the agreed project scope.
  5. Production-Ready Delivery Receive organized vector files prepared for the intended application.

FAQ

Manual Vector Tracing: Common Questions

Straight answers before you upload. More questions are answered on the full FAQ page.

Is manual tracing different from auto trace?

Yes. Manual tracing reconstructs geometry deliberately, while auto trace typically follows pixel boundaries algorithmically. The appropriate method depends on the source and required output.

Can you trace a very blurry image?

Often, yes. Where details cannot be determined from the reference, we will ask for clarification or describe the reconstruction assumptions.

What formats can I request?

Common options include AI, EPS, SVG, and PDF. Confirm your required format and software compatibility when requesting a quote.

Have Artwork That Needs Professional Attention?

Send us the file, explain the intended use and tell us your deadline. We’ll review the scope and provide next steps.

No obligation. Your files are used only to review and quote your project.

JPGPNGPDFScreenshotsScansPhotos