potrace
TLDR
Convert bitmap to SVG
$ potrace -s [input.bmp] -o [output.svg]
Convert to PDF$ potrace -b pdf [input.bmp] -o [output.pdf]
Convert to EPS$ potrace -e [input.bmp] -o [output.eps]
Invert colors$ potrace -s --invert [input.bmp] -o [output.svg]
From PBM/PGM/PPM$ potrace -s [input.pbm] -o [output.svg]
SYNOPSIS
potrace [options] [files]
DESCRIPTION
potrace transforms bitmaps into vector graphics by tracing the edges. It produces smooth, scalable output from raster images like logos and line art.
PARAMETERS
-b, --backend format
Output format (svg, pdf, eps, ps).-s, --svg
SVG output.-e, --eps
EPS output.-p, --postscript
PostScript output.-o file
Output file.--invert
Invert input.-t, --turdsize n
Suppress speckles.-a, --alphamax n
Corner threshold.
EXAMPLES
$ # Bitmap to SVG
potrace -s logo.bmp -o logo.svg
# PDF output with smoothing
potrace -b pdf --alphamax 1 image.bmp -o output.pdf
# Remove small spots
potrace -s --turdsize 5 noisy.bmp -o clean.svg
# From PNG (via conversion)
convert image.png image.bmp && potrace -s image.bmp
potrace -s logo.bmp -o logo.svg
# PDF output with smoothing
potrace -b pdf --alphamax 1 image.bmp -o output.pdf
# Remove small spots
potrace -s --turdsize 5 noisy.bmp -o clean.svg
# From PNG (via conversion)
convert image.png image.bmp && potrace -s image.bmp
INPUT FORMATS
Accepts PBM, PGM, PPM, and BMP formats. Use ImageMagick or similar to convert other formats first.
CAVEATS
Works best on high-contrast images. Photos don't trace well. Input should be monochrome for best results.
HISTORY
potrace was written by Peter Selinger as an improved alternative to autotrace, using optimal polygon algorithms.
