Adobe Illustrator Image Trace vs PicSVG: which one a designer needs

Q: What file types and sizes does PicSVG accept?

PicSVG accepts uploaded JPG, GIF and PNG files up to 4 MB . If your image is larger than 4 MB or in a different format, you'll need to resize or convert it before uploading.

Adobe Illustrator Image Trace vs PicSVG for designers: bitmap-to-vector conversion, SVG export, pricing and setup, compared from each tool's own sources.

By 2Dex · 2026-10-13

2Dex is published by the makers of SageThumbs 2K, RēDesign and VectorMagik, which are compared here alongside other tools.

PicSVG is a free online converter that turns uploaded images into SVG files ^[1]. VectorMagik traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine and saves the result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG ^[2] ^[2]. Choose PicSVG to convert an uploaded image to SVG online ^[1]. Choose VectorMagik to trace bitmaps into editable vector curves with colour control and multiple export formats.

Option	Personal use price	Commercial use price	Systems	Export formats
Adobe Illustrator Image Trace	Not published	Not published	Desktop application (check Adobe's page)	Not published
PicSVG	Free ^[1]	The page doesn't say	Web browser ^[1]	SVG ^[1]
VectorMagik	Free for everyone ^[2]	Business use needs a licence (PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0) ^[2] ^[2]	Windows x64, macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Linux x64, plus a browser version ^[2]	SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF, PNG ^[2]

The short answer

PicSVG is a free online tool that converts an uploaded image into an SVG file ^[1]. A designer uploads a JPG, GIF or PNG file up to 4 MB, and PicSVG produces an SVG that can be saved for later comparison ^[1] ^[1]. This page has no facts from Adobe's own pages about Adobe Illustrator Image Trace, so check Adobe's pages for what it does. VectorMagik traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine, and a designer can save the result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG ^[2] ^[2]. Choose PicSVG to quickly turn a small image into an SVG in the browser. Choose VectorMagik to trace bitmaps into editable vector curves with colour control, node editing and die-cut sticker output.

What Adobe Illustrator Image Trace, PicSVG is built for

PicSVG's page describes it as a free online converter that converts images to SVG ^[1]. It accepts uploaded JPG, GIF and PNG files up to 4 MB ^[1]. Converted SVG images are saved locally so the user can compare filter results or make a backup, and only the user can see them ^[1].

No facts from Adobe Illustrator Image Trace's own pages are provided here, so what it is built for can only be confirmed by reading Adobe's documentation directly. The name suggests it traces bitmap images into vector paths inside Illustrator, but nothing on this page states that from a cited source.

What VectorMagik is built for

VectorMagik is made by the team that publishes this site. It traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine ^[2]. A designer can save the result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG ^[2]. A tolerance slider merges neighbouring curve pieces, and an Auto option picks the largest tolerance that keeps the picture ^[2]. A designer can move or delete curve nodes and round individual corners after converting ^[2]. The result can be limited to between 1 and 64 colours ^[2]. It can add a die-cut sticker outline with a border, a white rim and an optional drop shadow ^[2]. A designer can click shapes to delete them, such as a background, or merge two shades into one ^[2]. A designer can compare the vector with the bitmap side by side, or flip between them with the B and V keys ^[2].

Pricing and fees

PicSVG's page describes it as free ^[1]. The page doesn't say whether that free use covers commercial work, so check PicSVG's own page before using it for paid projects.

No price for Illustrator or its Image Trace feature is published on this page, so check Adobe's own pricing page for the current cost.

VectorMagik is free for everyone; business use needs a licence under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 ^[2]. It is licensed under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 ^[2]. No payment service or card fee is stated for any of these tools.

Getting started and everyday use

PicSVG runs in the browser, so there is nothing to install ^[1]. A designer uploads a JPG, GIF or PNG file up to 4 MB, and the tool converts it to SVG ^[1]. Converted SVGs are saved locally for later comparison and are visible only to the user ^[1].

For Adobe Illustrator Image Trace, no setup details from its own pages are published here, so check Adobe's installation guide for how to get started.

VectorMagik installs with a Windows installer, a portable zip, a macOS zip, a Debian/Ubuntu .deb or a Linux tar.gz, all from GitHub releases ^[2]. Downloads exist for Windows x64, macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Linux x64, plus a browser version ^[2]. A version also runs in the web browser using the same engine ^[2]. In daily use a designer opens a bitmap, traces it into vector shapes, adjusts the tolerance slider, limits colours, edits nodes and exports the result ^[2] ^[2] ^[2] ^[2] ^[2]. A command-line version does the same work without a window and lets an AI assistant trace pictures on the computer ^[2].

Things to check before you choose

Do you need a browser-only tool or a desktop app? PicSVG runs in the browser, while VectorMagik offers both desktop and browser versions.
What file size do your images reach? PicSVG accepts files up to 4 MB ^[1]. Check whether that covers the images you work with.
What export formats do you need? VectorMagik saves to SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG ^[2]. PicSVG's page mentions SVG only ^[1].
Will you use the tool for paid client work? Read each tool's licence terms for commercial use before you install it on a work machine.
Do you need to edit the traced vector paths after converting? VectorMagik lets a designer move or delete nodes and round corners ^[2]. Check what Adobe Illustrator Image Trace offers for path editing on Adobe's pages.
Which operating system do you work on? VectorMagik supports Windows x64, macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Linux x64 and the browser ^[2]. Check Adobe Illustrator's current system requirements for your machine.

How to choose

You want to convert a small image to SVG in the browser with no install: PicSVG ^[1] ^[1].
You need to trace a bitmap into editable vector curves with a tolerance slider: VectorMagik ^[2] ^[2].
You need export formats beyond SVG: VectorMagik, which saves to SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG ^[2].
You want colour control after tracing: VectorMagik, which limits the result to between 1 and 64 colours ^[2].
You want to delete shapes or merge shades after tracing: VectorMagik ^[2].
You need a die-cut sticker outline: VectorMagik ^[2].
You want to compare the vector with the bitmap as you work: VectorMagik ^[2].
You want to trace from the command line or through an AI assistant: VectorMagik ^[2].
You want to save converted SVGs locally to compare later: PicSVG ^[1].
You need to run the tool on Mac or Linux: VectorMagik ^[2]. Check Adobe Illustrator's current platforms on Adobe's site.

Frequently asked questions

Is PicSVG free to use?

PicSVG's page describes it as a free online converter that converts images to SVG ^[1]. The page doesn't say whether that free use covers commercial work. If you'll use it for client projects, read its terms first before relying on it.

What file types and sizes does PicSVG accept?

PicSVG accepts uploaded JPG, GIF and PNG files up to 4 MB ^[1]. If your image is larger than 4 MB or in a different format, you'll need to resize or convert it before uploading.

How much does VectorMagik cost?

VectorMagik is free for everyone; business use needs a licence under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 ^[2] ^[2]. No card fee or payment service is stated. Check the licence terms for what counts as commercial use before using it for paid client work.

Can VectorMagik edit vector paths after tracing?

Yes. VectorMagik lets a designer move or delete curve nodes and round individual corners after converting ^[2]. A tolerance slider merges neighbouring curve pieces, and an Auto option picks the largest tolerance that keeps the picture ^[2]. A designer can also click shapes to delete them or merge two shades into one ^[2].

Which export formats does VectorMagik support?

VectorMagik can save the traced result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG ^[2]. PicSVG's page mentions SVG only ^[1]. If you need a format other than SVG, check whether your tool lists it before you start.

Free for everyone; business use needs a licence (PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0). ^[2]

Try VectorMagik