What resolution should I export from Procreate for vector tracing?

Export at the actual final resolution needed (300 DPI minimum for print). Higher resolution gives the tracing engine more data to work with, resulting in smoother vector paths and better curve representation. For illustration work targeting large formats, 600 DPI export ensures maximum quality.

Should I trace in Illustrator or Affinity Designer?

Both work well. Illustrator Image Trace excels at photographs and complex artwork. Affinity Designer's vectorization is excellent for line drawings and ink-based art. Try both on a test export—each has slight differences in curve generation and detail capture. For most hand-drawn illustration, Affinity's "Line drawing" mode produces cleaner results.

How do I preserve the hand-drawn feel during vectorization?

Use moderate settings in tracing (90% Paths, medium Corners). After expansion, manually refine problem areas rather than completely re-smoothing—keep some character in curves. For sketch-style artwork, consider keeping some roughness intentional rather than perfectly smoothing everything.

What should I do if the traced result has too many anchor points?

Use Illustrator's Simplify command (Object > Path > Simplify) to reduce points while preserving curve shape. In Affinity Designer, use Select All and Curves > Smooth. Manually check the simplified result to ensure important details remain. You can also use the Reduce Nodes command in some Adobe plugins for more aggressive simplification.

Procreate to Vector Workflow | iPad Illustration to Production

Overview

Transform painted or drawn illustrations from Procreate into editable vector files suitable for logos, icons, spot art, and print production.

Preparation in Procreate

### Document Setup

Create document at final required dimensions (300 DPI for print)
Use RGB color mode if digital, CMYK if print-bound
Set to 16-bit or higher depth for maximum quality
Add extra canvas padding around composition
Keep layers unflattened for flexibility

### Drawing and Painting

Create illustration with clean, bold strokes when targeting vector
Use distinct colors for different elements if planning to trace separately
Add a white background layer underneath (important for tracing)
Keep black linework on separate layer from fills/shadows
Use textures sparingly—heavy texture becomes noise in tracing

### Pre-Export Cleanup

Flatten layers that won't be needed separately
Erase stray marks and artifacts
Check for gaps in linework or fills
Ensure background is solid white or flat color
Review at actual output size for detail adequacy

Export Strategy

### Formats for Desktop

PSD: Preserve Procreate layer structure for reimport
TIFF: Uncompressed raster for highest quality vector tracing
PNG: Transparent background for flexible backgrounds
PDF: Can preserve some vector information if exported as artwork

### Optimal Export Settings

Resolution: Export at actual size (300 DPI minimum for print)
Color: Match intended output (RGB for digital, CMYK if converting later)
Background: Include white layer, don't flatten alpha channel
Bit depth: 16-bit if available for maximum color depth
Format: TIFF or PNG for tracing, PSD for layer preservation

### File Organization

Label exported files with clear naming (illustration-final-300dpi.tiff)
Save multiple export versions if colors change
Keep original Procreate file linked or annotated
Archive high-resolution originals separately from working versions

Vector Tracing

### Illustrator Image Trace

Import cleaned raster into Illustrator
Select artwork and open Image Trace dialog
Try "High Fidelity Photo" preset first
Adjust "Paths" slider to 90%+ for smooth curves
Lower "Corners" value for hard angles (logos)
Enable "Ignore White" to isolate linework
Preview traces before expanding

### Affinity Designer Vectorization

Import raster into Designer
Use Studio > Image Vectorization panel
Select "Accurate" for detailed illustration
Use "Line drawing" mode for ink-based art
Adjust quality slider to balance detail vs. smoothness
Apply smoothing and simplification after conversion

### Illustrator Trace Enhancements

Expand traced artwork to editable paths
Select > Object > Stray Points to remove artifacts
Direct Selection tool to refine curves manually
Use Simplify command to reduce excessive anchor points
Zoom to 400%+ for detail review of complex areas

### Manual Path Refinement

Close any open paths created during tracing
Remove overlapping paths that should be single shapes
Merge small gaps or strokes that should connect
Simplify paths while maintaining character
Verify all fills and strokes apply correctly

Color Application

### Spot Color Separation

Assign traced paths to specific colors
Use global color swatches for consistency
Create separate layers per color for print separation
Document Pantone references if using spot colors
Test color output on target substrate

### Gradient and Shade Mapping

Preserve gradient information from original illustration
Apply linear or radial gradients to traced shapes
Create color transitions with multiple overlapping shapes
Use multiply or overlay blend modes for shadows
Test gradients at intended output size

Production Preparation

### Layer Organization

Rename all paths descriptively ("eye-left", "nose", "mouth-shine")
Group related elements ("face", "clothing", "background")
Create separate layer for final line art if needed
Lock reference layers or original raster
Create export layers organized by output format

### Quality Assurance

Check all paths for stray or hidden points
Verify strokes converted to outlines where needed
Test at zoom levels: 25%, 100%, 400%
Check against original Procreate artwork for accuracy
Verify no transparent areas in solid fill regions

### Scalability Testing

Export at small size (icon dimensions) and verify legibility
Export at large size and check for pixelation
Test on different backgrounds and screen types
Confirm effects (drop shadows, strokes) scale properly
Document minimum size for acceptable reproduction

Export Delivery

### Vector Formats

AI: Native with full layer and effect preservation
EPS: Universal with fonts outlined
SVG: Web-optimized, clean code
PDF: Print-ready with crop marks

### Multi-Resolution Assets

1x (100%) for standard display
2x (200%) for Retina/high-DPI screens
4x (400%) for print preview
Export each as PNG, JPEG if raster needed

### Documentation Package

Include original Procreate file for reference
Provide color palette and Pantone references
Document any custom brushes or techniques used
Add usage guidelines (minimum size, clear space)
Include layered working file separate from flattened export

Best Practices

Export from Procreate at full intended resolution
Use high-contrast images for cleaner tracing
Trace in desktop software (Illustrator/Affinity) rather than apps
Create separate vector file per color separation if needed for printing
Keep original Procreate file for future edits or variations
Test final vector outputs on intended media before production

Common Pitfalls

Exporting too small from Procreate limits tracing quality
Heavy texture or noise creates messy vector traces
Forgetting to add white background before tracing
Over-simplifying paths loses subtle curves and character
Not testing legibility at minimum intended size
Converting sketch layers directly without cleanup first

Quality Troubleshooting

Gaps in traced lines: Increase "Paths" in Image Trace or pre-process raster with Photoshop levels
Over-complicated paths: Reduce "Paths" value or simplify after expansion
Lost fine details: Increase export resolution from Procreate or trace sections separately
Color shift: Check RGB/CMYK mode before tracing, correct in Illustrator after
Pixelated curves: Export raster at higher resolution or manually refine paths post-trace

Procreate to Vector: iPad Illustration to Production Workflow