Potrace 1.9 just released.

lylejk · **Joined:** Sep 24, 2010 **Posts:** 12775

It's been several years since the venerable Potrace had an update. It now has 64-bit support (was used the 32-bit before; not sure when they added this one; lol), but the render engine is noticeably spifier then before. I know a few here still use Potrace on occasion (wonder when Autotrace is going to get an update?) so just passing on the news.

http://potrace.sourceforge.net/

Bob63 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 22, 2010 1:26 pm **(#2)**

Inkscape's vectorization of bitmaps is based on potrace (although it may not be a plug-in or direct copy). Wonder how long it will be before it gets updated, or if it will? I much prefer a GUI-type interface with a preview versus using the command line for image work.

PhotoMaster · **Posted:** Wed Dec 22, 2010 8:23 pm **(#3)**

Never saw Potrace before! The images are very impressive!

Rod · **Joined:** May 16, 2010 **Posts:** 16023

I just updated to 1.9 for windows.

siwilks200 · **Joined:** Nov 18, 2010 **Posts:** 8

can anyone tell me how to install potrace? ive downloaded the files and stuck them in c:/windows and execute the files but only prompt appears with black box! do i have to use thro gimp?

PhotoComix · **Joined:** Apr 12, 2010 **Posts:** 5870

no is not a plugin and yes it has no any graphic interface

it is a command line app so you are supposed to open a terminal and type the commands there.
the basic commands are here under "USAGE" http://potrace.sourceforge.net/#description

Rod · **Joined:** May 16, 2010 **Posts:** 16023

Thanks PC!

mahvin · **Joined:** Oct 06, 2010 **Posts:** 4050

Linux has GUI interface for Potrace and Autotrace found here:

http://potracegui.sourceforge.net/

mahvin · **Joined:** Oct 06, 2010 **Posts:** 4050

This is my image being used with autotrace (KDE front end):

This is the output - a bitmap of an .eps file - KDE doesn't like the svg format for whatever reason - additionally, the logfile toggle is greyed out so I couldn't grab the settings I used)

Now, the point in why I am showing this, is due to the fact I am able to see a preview of each trace, using the GUI, so I can repeat traces immediately after seeing each setting before committing to a saved file.

2-ton · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:28 pm **(#10)**

That is actually kinda cute...looks sort of like a hand drawn graphic quickly sketched and colored in.

mahvin · **Joined:** Oct 06, 2010 **Posts:** 4050

This is the inkscape trace:

@2-ton:

I used GIMP to design this, there is a tutorial for it on my blog, including a ladybug and a dragonfly.

lylejk · **Joined:** Sep 24, 2010 **Posts:** 12775

Hope you don't mind a little play with your bee using Autotrace's Centerline option Mahvin.

mahvin · **Joined:** Oct 06, 2010 **Posts:** 4050

That utility alone, will come in handy for me and my stained glass patterns.