GIMP Version: 2.8.10
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: Intermediate Level

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Was wondering the best way to convert a png image to vector? I was selected to do some artwork for a lobbying agency. It's for an engraving. I don't want to use an online converter. Thanks.

Inkscape would be my suggestion. Easy and free.

I did do a test in Inkscape, and the edges were cleaned up, but it seems to have lost some detail, especially the stars in a flag. Sorry, but I can't post it here.

Depending of the graphic or image either Inkscape or Autotrace (which, unfortunately doesn't work in Win7 if memory servers me correctly so possibly will be of no use to you unless you have Linux). Can, of course, use Potrace. Regardless, most likely you won't be happy with the result.

The engraver wanted it on pdf. Like I said, Inkscape cleaned it up nicely, and I can save to pdf. I'm sure as engravers they know what to do, but I was curious to do it myself. I tried the trial version on image magic. Worked great, but I'm not paying over $200 for a license, haha. No thanks.

Have you tried Vextractor? Not as expensive as Vector Magic (only $100.00) but may do what you need.
http://vextractor.com/

I use version 5.9 64 bit for windows.





There is also Vextractor Lite for $49.95

All depends on the requirement. Inkscape with a bit of fiddling usually produces a reasonable vector.

If you found (the expensive) VectorMagick worked then maybe the following is not applicable.

Just for info:

but (always a but) it traces outlines and often for an engraving a centerline trace is required.

As lylejk stated, if you have an old WinXP or linux then autotrace can be used but it is command line and not easy.

For Windows (and linux using WINE) a little free application WinTopo.
A bit about it here: http://www.kgdcraftermath.com/2014/02/s ... h-wintopo/

The snag with WinTopo is vector export formats: The only really usable is .dxf (drawing exchange format) and you have to jump through hoops to convert to a more usable format.

LibreOffice Draw imports and you can export as a vector PDF which might do, or as a svg for further editing in Inkscape.
LibreCAD worth considering as well. Inkscape might work with a dxf depending on version. Bound to be others

For Gimp, you could open the PDF or svg but that is then a raster image, which I suspect your engraver does not want.

Thanks for all the info guys, appreciate it. I sent the png's to the engraver, and also pdf's, as requested by them. Like I said, I'm sure they know what to do with them. When it gets engraved, I'll show the results of my work here, if I can get the permission to do so. The art I did turned out pretty dang good, although admittedly, it was nothing hard to do.

I think Inkscape did a nice job, but some of the stars on the flag (small) really lost their quality. The stars at an angle were nearly filled in.

Did you export the PNG as SVG from Gimp before opening in Inkscape?

No, was I supposed to, haha? I've never done any of that kind of stuff before. I've just always saved as a png.

It's your best bet when working with Inkscape, you can export Gimp paths.
5.7. Paths and SVG files

Got it, thanks.