> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vector.storyship.studio/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start Guide

> Convert your first bitmap image to vector in just 5 minutes. Complete step-by-step tutorial from selection to editing your SVG.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/vectorized/ykrACu7FU0Tosj-7/images/plugin-interface.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ykrACu7FU0Tosj-7&q=85&s=44330728ff5d520800b16d53e17e665c" alt="Vectorized (AI Vectorizer) - Image Tracer Plugin Interface - showing settings panel and preview" className="rounded-lg shadow-lg border border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-800" width="1374" height="1312" data-path="images/plugin-interface.png" />

## Your First Vectorization in 5 Minutes

Follow this guide to convert your first bitmap image into a beautiful, editable SVG vector. No prior experience needed!

<Note>
  **Before you begin, make sure you have:**

  * ✓ Vectorized (AI Vectorizer) - Image Tracer installed ([installation guide](/getting-started/installation))
  * ✓ At least 10 credits in your account ([buy credits](/support/credits-pricing))
  * ✓ A bitmap image (PNG or JPG) in your Figma file to vectorize

  Don't have an image? Use any screenshot or photo already in your Figma file to follow along.
</Note>

***

## Step 1: Select Your Image

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose a Raster Image">
    Click on any **bitmap/raster image** in your Figma canvas. The plugin works with:

    * 🖼️ **Imported PNG/JPG files**
    * 📋 **Pasted screenshots**
    * 🎨 **Nodes with image fills**
    * 📷 **Drag-and-dropped photos**

    <Tip>
      **What kind of images work best?**

      * ✅ **Logos and icons** - Clean, simple shapes
      * ✅ **Flat illustrations** - Limited colors, no gradients
      * ✅ **Line drawings** - Sketches and outlines
      * ⚠️ **Photos** - Work, but may need High-Fidelity preset
      * ❌ **Text** - Better to use Figma text layers directly
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Selection">
    Once you've selected an image, the plugin automatically detects it. You'll see:

    <Check>✓ Image preview appears in the plugin's canvas area (center-right)</Check>
    <Check>✓ "HD Preview" button becomes active (changes from disabled to blue)</Check>
    <Check>✓ "Convert to SVG" button is enabled at the bottom</Check>
    <Check>✓ Settings panel remains available on the left</Check>

    <Warning>
      **Not seeing the image preview?**

      Common issues and fixes:

      * **No image fill**: Make sure the selected node actually contains an image (not just a solid color fill)
      * **Image not loaded**: Wait for the image to fully load in Figma first
      * **Wrong format**: Plugin works with PNG/JPG only (not SVG, PDF, or video)
      * **Locked/Hidden layer**: Unlock and make visible

      **Still not working?** Try:

      1. Right-click the image → Copy
      2. Create a new rectangle (`R` key)
      3. Paste the image as fill (`Cmd/Ctrl + V`)
      4. Select the rectangle
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Optional: Prepare Your Image">
    For best results, consider these quick optimizations:

    <Accordion title="🎯 Remove Background">
      If your image has a background you don't need, remove it before vectorizing:

      * Use Figma's background removal tool
      * Or use a service like remove.bg
      * Clean backgrounds produce cleaner vectors
    </Accordion>

    <Accordion title="🔍 Increase Contrast">
      For sketches and line art:

      * Adjust brightness/contrast in Figma
      * Makes lines more defined
      * Results in cleaner vector paths
    </Accordion>

    <Accordion title="✂️ Crop to Subject">
      Remove unnecessary space:

      * Frame the main subject tightly
      * Reduces processing time
      * Focuses vectorization on what matters
    </Accordion>

    <Note>
      These optimizations are optional! The plugin works great with raw images too. Feel free to skip if you're just testing.
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 2: Choose a Preset

Presets are optimized configurations for different image types. Pick the one that matches your image:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="🏷️ Logo">
    **Best for**: Brand logos, simple icons, badges, emblems

    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="What it does" icon="wand-magic-sparkles">
        * Aggressive noise removal
        * Limited colors (16)
        * Clean, sharp edges
        * Small file size
      </Card>

      <Card title="Use when" icon="check-circle">
        * Converting company logos
        * App/web icons
        * Simple graphics
        * 1-5 main colors
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>

    **Settings**: Standard quality • Low detail (30) • 16 colors • Fill shapes

    <Accordion title="Example: Company Logo">
      **Before**: Pixelated JPEG logo from client's website

      **After**: Clean, editable SVG with perfect edges

      **File size**: 240 KB → 12 KB (95% reduction!)
    </Accordion>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="🎨 Illustration">
    **Best for**: Flat illustrations, UI graphics, artwork, patterns

    ⭐ **Recommended for 90% of users - start here if unsure!**

    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="What it does" icon="wand-magic-sparkles">
        * Balanced detail preservation
        * Rich colors (32)
        * Moderate noise filtering
        * Optimal file size
      </Card>

      <Card title="Use when" icon="check-circle">
        * Flat design illustrations
        * UI components
        * Marketing graphics
        * **Not sure which to pick**
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>

    **Settings**: Standard quality • Medium detail (50) • 32 colors • Fill shapes

    <Accordion title="Example: UI Illustration">
      **Before**: Flat illustration with multiple colors

      **After**: Editable vector, all colors preserved, smooth shapes

      **Perfect for**: Design systems, landing pages, presentations
    </Accordion>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="✏️ Line Art">
    **Best for**: Hand-drawn sketches, technical drawings, coloring pages

    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="What it does" icon="wand-magic-sparkles">
        * Uses **strokes** (not fills)
        * High precision
        * Preserves fine lines
        * Adjustable line weight
      </Card>

      <Card title="Use when" icon="check-circle">
        * Scanned sketches
        * Wireframes
        * Coloring book pages
        * You'll add colors later
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>

    **Settings**: High quality • High detail (70) • 8 colors • **Stroke shapes**

    <Accordion title="Example: Hand Sketch">
      **Before**: Scanned pencil sketch

      **After**: Clean vector strokes, ready for coloring

      **Bonus**: Adjust stroke width after conversion in Figma!
    </Accordion>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="🌟 High-Fidelity">
    **Best for**: Complex artwork, detailed illustrations, photo-realistic images

    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="What it does" icon="wand-magic-sparkles">
        * Maximum detail preservation
        * Full color spectrum (256)
        * Minimal noise removal
        * Ultra-precise curves
      </Card>

      <Card title="Use when" icon="check-circle">
        * Complex illustrations
        * Artistic pieces
        * Quality > file size
        * Other presets lose details
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>

    **Settings**: Ultra quality • Very high detail (80) • 256 colors • Fill shapes

    <Warning>
      **Important trade-offs:**

      * ⏱️ **Slower**: 30-60 seconds processing time
      * 📦 **Larger files**: 500 KB - 2 MB (vs 50-200 KB for Illustration)
      * 🎨 **Harder to edit**: More complex paths
      * 💰 **Same cost**: Still 10 credits

      **Recommendation**: Try Illustration first, upgrade if needed!
    </Warning>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Card title="🎯 Decision Helper" icon="question-circle">
  **Still not sure which preset to choose?**

  * Simple graphics (logos, icons) → **Logo**
  * **Don't know / General use** → **Illustration** ⭐
  * Lines only (sketches) → **Line Art**
  * Very complex / detailed → Try **Illustration** first, then **High-Fidelity** if needed

  **Pro tip**: Use HD Preview (only 2 credits) to test different presets!
</Card>

***

## Step 3: Preview Your Result (Recommended)

Before spending 10 credits on the final conversion, use **HD Preview** to test your settings.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click 'HD Preview' Button">
    **Cost**: 2 credits (5x cheaper than full conversion!)

    **What you get**:

    * Full-resolution preview with watermark
    * Zoom and pan controls
    * Side-by-side comparison
    * Verify settings before committing

    Click the blue "HD Preview" button to start processing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Processing">
    Processing typically takes:

    * **Simple images**: 3-8 seconds
    * **Medium complexity**: 8-15 seconds
    * **Complex images**: 15-30 seconds
    * **High-Fidelity preset**: 30-60 seconds

    You'll see a loading indicator with the message "Generating preview\..."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the Preview">
    Once complete, a modal window opens showing your vectorized preview:

    **Preview features**:

    * 🔍 **Zoom controls**: Inspect details at 400% zoom
    * 👆 **Pan**: Click and drag to move around
    * 🖼️ **Comparison slider**: See before/after side-by-side
    * ✅ **Convert button**: Go straight to full conversion if satisfied

    <Accordion title="What to check in your preview">
      <Tabs>
        <Tab title="✓ Edges & Smoothness">
          **Look for**:

          * Are curves smooth and clean?
          * Any jagged/stair-step edges?
          * Sharp corners preserved?

          **If not good**:

          * Increase **Quality** to High or Ultra
          * Lower **Detail** if too many small shapes
        </Tab>

        <Tab title="✓ Colors">
          **Look for**:

          * Main colors accurately captured?
          * Gradients handled well?
          * Any unwanted color shifts?

          **If not good**:

          * Increase **Colors** setting (try 64 or 256)
          * Try a different preset
        </Tab>

        <Tab title="✓ Details">
          **Look for**:

          * Important features preserved?
          * Too much noise/speckling?
          * Missing fine lines?

          **If not good**:

          * Increase **Detail** slider if losing features
          * Decrease **Detail** if seeing noise
        </Tab>

        <Tab title="✓ Overall Quality">
          **Ask yourself**:

          * Would I use this in my design?
          * Does it match my expectations?
          * Clean enough to edit in Figma?

          **If not good**:

          * Try a different **Preset**
          * Adjust **Quality** and **Detail**
          * Preview again (only 2 more credits)
        </Tab>
      </Tabs>
    </Accordion>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Adjust Settings (If Needed)">
    If the preview isn't perfect, close the modal and tweak your settings:

    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="Problem: Edges look blocky/jagged" icon="triangle-exclamation">
        **Solution**: Increase **Quality**

        1. Move Quality slider to **High** or **Ultra**
        2. Click HD Preview again (2 credits)
        3. Compare results

        **Why it works**: Higher quality = smoother, more precise curves
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Problem: Too many dots/noise/artifacts" icon="triangle-exclamation">
        **Solution**: Decrease **Detail**

        1. Move Detail slider LEFT (toward "Less")
        2. Try Detail value of **30-40**
        3. Preview again

        **Why it works**: Lower detail removes small shapes (noise, JPG artifacts)
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Problem: Colors look wrong or limited" icon="triangle-exclamation">
        **Solution**: Increase **Colors**

        1. Change Colors from dropdown (try **64** or **256**)
        2. Preview again
        3. Or try **Unlimited** for maximum color accuracy

        **Why it works**: More colors = more accurate color representation
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Problem: Lost important details" icon="triangle-exclamation">
        **Solution**: Increase **Detail** or switch Preset

        1. Move Detail slider RIGHT (toward "More")
        2. Try Detail value of **70-80**
        3. Or switch to **High-Fidelity** preset

        **Why it works**: Higher detail preserves smaller shapes and features
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Problem: Wrong style (filled shapes vs lines)" icon="triangle-exclamation">
        **Solution**: Change Draw Style or Preset

        1. Go to **Style** section in settings
        2. Change **Draw Style** to:
           * **Fill** for solid shapes (default)
           * **Stroke** for line outlines
           * **Edges** for edge outlines only
        3. Or switch to **Line Art** preset for stroke-based output

        **Why it works**: Different draw styles create different vector types
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>

    <Tip>
      **Preview is cheap!** Each preview only costs 2 credits vs 10 for full conversion. Don't be afraid to preview multiple times with different settings until you're happy!
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Skip Preview (Optional)">
    If you're confident with your preset choice, you can skip HD Preview and go straight to conversion.

    **When to skip**:

    * You're familiar with the presets
    * Simple image with predictable results
    * You're okay with potential re-conversion

    **When NOT to skip**:

    * First time using a preset
    * Complex or important image
    * Unsure about settings
    * Want to save credits (preview first = avoid re-conversion)

    <Note>
      **Pro users** skip preview for routine conversions, but **new users** should always preview first to learn how settings affect results!
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 4: Convert to SVG

Once you're happy with the preview (or if you skipped preview), it's time for the final conversion!

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click 'Convert to SVG'">
    **Cost**: 10 credits (no watermark)

    **What happens**:

    * Image is processed with your chosen settings
    * High-quality SVG is generated
    * Result automatically placed in Figma
    * Your credit balance updates

    Click the green "Convert to SVG" button at the bottom of the plugin.

    <Note>
      **Don't have 10 credits?**

      The plugin will automatically generate a **watermarked preview** for free. You can still see the result, but you'll need credits to get the clean, usable SVG.

      [Purchase credits now →](/support/credits-pricing)
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Processing">
    Processing time varies by image complexity:

    | Image Type    | Expected Time |
    | ------------- | ------------- |
    | Simple logo   | 5-10 seconds  |
    | Illustration  | 10-20 seconds |
    | Line art      | 15-25 seconds |
    | High-Fidelity | 30-60 seconds |

    The button shows "Converting..." and you'll see a progress indicator.

    <Warning>
      **Taking longer than 2 minutes?**

      * Check your internet connection
      * Try reducing Quality or Detail settings
      * Complex images with High-Fidelity can take up to 90 seconds
      * If it fails, you'll see an error message and credits will be refunded
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="SVG Automatically Added to Figma">
    When conversion completes, several things happen automatically:

    <Check>✅ SVG is placed **next to your original image** on the canvas</Check>
    <Check>✅ New SVG is **automatically selected** (ready to move/edit)</Check>
    <Check>✅ Success notification appears: "✓ SVG converted successfully!"</Check>
    <Check>✅ Your **credit balance updates** in the plugin</Check>
    <Check>✅ Viewport **scrolls** to show both original and result</Check>

    <Tip>
      **Pro tip**: The original image stays untouched. Compare them side-by-side, then delete the original once you're satisfied!
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 5: Edit Your Vector in Figma

Your SVG is now a **fully editable Figma vector**! Here's what you can do:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="🎨 Change Colors">
    **Make it match your design system**

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Select the SVG group">
        Click on the vectorized SVG in your canvas
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter the group">
        Double-click or press `Enter` to enter the group
      </Step>

      <Step title="Select individual shapes">
        Click on any shape inside the SVG
      </Step>

      <Step title="Change fill color">
        * Use the **Fill** picker in the right panel
        * Or use your brand color styles
        * Colors update instantly!
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Accordion title="Quick recolor technique">
      **Select all shapes of one color:**

      1. Enter the SVG group
      2. Click one shape with the color you want to change
      3. `Cmd/Ctrl + Click` other shapes with same color
      4. Change fill once for all selected

      **Or use Find/Replace color** (Figma plugin) for bulk changes!
    </Accordion>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="✏️ Modify Shapes">
    **Edit paths and adjust shapes**

    Your SVG uses standard Figma vector tools:

    * **Bend handles**: Adjust curves by dragging bezier handles
    * **Add/delete points**: Double-click path to add, click point and Delete to remove
    * **Vector networks**: Figma's advanced path editing
    * **Boolean operations**: Union, Subtract, Intersect, Exclude

    <Accordion title="Common edits">
      - **Smooth rough edges**: Select anchor point → Set to "Smooth" in properties
      - **Simplify complex paths**: Right-click → Simplify (reduces points)
      - **Combine shapes**: Select multiple → Boolean Union
      - **Cut out shapes**: Select two → Boolean Subtract
    </Accordion>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="📏 Scale Infinitely">
    **The magic of vectors!**

    Try this:

    1. Select your SVG
    2. Resize to **10x** larger
    3. Zoom in to 400%
    4. **Still perfectly crisp!** 🎉

    **Use cases**:

    * 📱 Tiny mobile icons (16x16)
    * 🖥️ Web graphics (any size)
    * 🖨️ Large print materials
    * 📺 Presentations and screens
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="🔧 Advanced Edits">
    **Power user techniques**

    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="Flatten overlapping shapes" icon="layer-group">
        **Why**: Simplify editing by merging layers

        1. Select your SVG
        2. Right-click → **Flatten** (or `Cmd/Ctrl + E`)
        3. Overlapping shapes merge into single paths
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Convert to outlines (Line Art)" icon="pen">
        **Why**: Turn strokes into editable fills

        1. Select stroke-based SVG (from Line Art preset)
        2. Right-click → **Outline Stroke**
        3. Strokes become fillable shapes
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Create component" icon="cube">
        **Why**: Reuse across designs

        1. Select your SVG
        2. `Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + K` to create component
        3. Add to your library
        4. Use instances everywhere!
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Export as SVG code" icon="code">
        **Why**: Use in web projects

        1. Select your SVG
        2. Right-click → **Copy/Paste** → **Copy as SVG**
        3. Paste into code editor
        4. Or use **Export** panel for file export
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Congratulations! 🎉

You've successfully converted your first bitmap to vector! Your design is now:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card icon="check-circle" color="#16A34A">
    **✓ Infinitely Scalable**

    No quality loss at any size
  </Card>

  <Card icon="check-circle" color="#16A34A">
    **✓ Fully Editable**

    Modify colors, shapes, and paths
  </Card>

  <Card icon="check-circle" color="#16A34A">
    **✓ Lightweight**

    5-10x smaller than PNG
  </Card>

  <Card icon="check-circle" color="#16A34A">
    **✓ Production Ready**

    Use in designs, web, print
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## What's Next?

Now that you know the basics, level up your vectorization skills:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Master Presets" icon="sliders" href="/user-guide/understanding-presets">
    Deep dive into all 4 presets and when to use each
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fine-Tune Settings" icon="gear" href="/user-guide/core-settings">
    Learn Quality, Detail, Colors, and Style controls
  </Card>

  <Card title="Best Practices" icon="star" href="/user-guide/best-practices">
    Scenario-based workflows for logos, illustrations, and more
  </Card>

  <Card title="Advanced Features" icon="wand-sparkles" href="/user-guide/advanced-features">
    Custom palettes, stroke width, and power-user tips
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/support/troubleshooting">
    Fix common issues and optimize results
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQs" icon="circle-question" href="/support/faq">
    Answers to frequently asked questions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Common First-Time Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="❌ No image preview appears in the plugin" icon="image-slash">
    **Checklist**:

    * ☐ Did you select a node with an **image fill**? (not text or shapes)
    * ☐ Is the image fully loaded in Figma?
    * ☐ Is it a PNG or JPG format? (not SVG, PDF, or video)
    * ☐ Is the layer visible and unlocked?

    **Solutions**:

    1. Try **right-clicking** the image → Plugins → Vectorized (AI Vectorizer) - Image Tracer
    2. Copy image, paste as fill on a rectangle, select rectangle
    3. Refresh the plugin (`Cmd/Ctrl + R` in Figma)
    4. Check [troubleshooting guide](/support/troubleshooting) for more help
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="❌ Buttons are disabled (grayed out)" icon="ban">
    **Possible causes**:

    **HD Preview disabled**:

    * Not enough credits (need 2)
    * No image selected
    * Plugin connection issue

    **Convert to SVG disabled**:

    * Not enough credits (need 10)
    * No image selected
    * Processing in progress

    **Solutions**:

    1. [Buy credits](/support/credits-pricing) if balance is 0
    2. Make sure image is selected (see preview in plugin)
    3. Check internet connection
    4. Restart plugin if stuck
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="❌ Result looks bad/distorted/wrong" icon="face-frown">
    **Common causes and fixes**:

    | Problem       | Likely Cause           | Solution                                  |
    | ------------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
    | Jagged edges  | Quality too low        | Increase Quality to High/Ultra            |
    | Too many dots | Detail too high        | Decrease Detail to 30-40                  |
    | Wrong colors  | Colors setting too low | Increase Colors to 64/256                 |
    | Lost details  | Detail too low         | Increase Detail to 70-80                  |
    | Wrong style   | Wrong preset           | Try different preset or change Draw Style |

    **Best practice**: Use HD Preview (2 credits) to test before full conversion!
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="❌ Processing takes too long (>2 minutes)" icon="clock">
    **Expected times**:

    * Simple images: 5-15 seconds
    * Medium complexity: 15-30 seconds
    * High-Fidelity preset: 30-90 seconds

    **If longer than 2 minutes**:

    1. Check internet connection
    2. Try refreshing Figma
    3. Reduce image complexity:
       * Lower Quality to Standard
       * Decrease Detail
       * Use smaller original image
    4. Avoid High-Fidelity preset for testing

    **Still stuck?** Contact support with details about your image size and settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="❌ Credits deducted but no result" icon="coins">
    **This shouldn't happen!** But if it does:

    1. **Check canvas**: SVG might be placed far from viewport
       * Press `Shift + 1` to zoom to see all
       * Look for new layer in layers panel
    2. **Check Figma notifications**: Error message may appear
    3. **Wait 60 seconds**: Network delay possible
    4. **If truly lost**: Contact support immediately
       * Include timestamp
       * Screenshot of credit balance
       * We'll refund lost credits

    **Note**: If conversion fails due to error, credits are automatically refunded within 1 minute.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="❌ SVG looks different than preview" icon="not-equal">
    **Small differences are normal** due to:

    * Preview is PNG representation
    * Final SVG has precise vector math
    * Figma rendering vs web rendering

    **If drastically different**:

    1. Check if you changed settings after preview
    2. Make sure you clicked Convert (not Preview again)
    3. Try converting again with same settings
    4. Contact support if consistently different

    **Tip**: Previews are 95%+ accurate. Minor differences in fine details are expected.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

<Card title="Still Need Help?" icon="life-ring" href="/support/faq" color="#16A34A">
  Check our comprehensive FAQ and troubleshooting guide →
</Card>

<Note>
  **Feedback welcome!** Did this guide help you? Have suggestions? Email us at [zouwenqiang678@gmail.com](mailto:zouwenqiang678@gmail.com)
</Note>