> ## 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.

# Best Practices

> Real-world workflows and pro tips for vectorizing logos, illustrations, line art, and photos. Learn from common scenarios and optimize your results.

## Scenario-Based Workflows

Learn the **optimal workflow** for common vectorization scenarios. Each includes preset recommendations, settings, and post-processing tips.

***

## Scenario 1: Company Logo Vectorization

**Goal**: Convert a client's low-res logo to crisp, editable vector

### Starting Point

**Typical situation**:

* Client sent logo as JPEG from their website
* Visible compression artifacts
* Low resolution (500px wide)
* Need vector for print and web

### Recommended Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare the Image">
    **Before converting**:

    1. **Remove background** (if present)
       * Use Figma's background removal
       * Or remove.bg service
       * Clean background = cleaner vectorization

    2. **Check resolution**
       * If under 300px wide, ask client for larger version
       * Tiny logos produce poor results
       * Ideal: 800-2000px wide

    3. **Crop tightly**
       * Remove excessive white space
       * Frame just the logo itself
       * Faster processing + better results
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Settings">
    **Recommended configuration**:

    * **Preset**: Logo
    * **Quality**: Standard (increase to High if edges look rough in preview)
    * **Detail**: 25-30 (aggressive noise removal for JPG artifacts)
    * **Colors**: 16 or fewer (logos rarely need more)
    * **Draw Style**: Fill Shapes
    * **Fill Gaps**: Enabled

    <Tip>
      **Why Detail 25-30**: Removes JPG compression noise while keeping logo clean
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview First">
    Always use **HD Preview** (2 credits) for logos:

    1. Check edge smoothness (zoom to 400%)
    2. Verify colors are correct
    3. Look for unwanted artifacts
    4. If issues, adjust Detail or Quality

    **Common adjustments**:

    * Edges rough? → Increase Quality to High
    * Too many dots? → Decrease Detail to 20
    * Colors wrong? → Reduce Colors to 8 or add Custom Palette
  </Step>

  <Step title="Convert">
    Once preview looks good, click **Convert to SVG** (10 credits).

    SVG appears next to original image.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post-Processing in Figma">
    **Clean up the result**:

    1. **Flatten overlapping shapes**
       * Select SVG → Right-click → Flatten (`Cmd/Ctrl + E`)
       * Merges layers for easier editing

    2. **Simplify if needed**
       * Right-click → Simplify
       * Reduces anchor points
       * Smaller file size

    3. **Adjust colors to brand**
       * Double-click SVG to enter group
       * Select shapes and apply brand colors
       * Or use Find & Replace color plugins

    4. **Create component**
       * `Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + K` to make component
       * Add to library for reuse
       * Create dark/light variants if needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Logo-Specific Tips

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="For very simple logos (1-3 colors)" icon="shapes">
    **Ultra-minimal workflow**:

    * Reduce **Colors** to 4 or 8
    * Decrease **Detail** to 15-20
    * Results in very clean, simple vector
    * Smallest possible file size
    * Easy to edit

    **Perfect for**: Wordmarks, simple icons, geometric logos
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="For logos with gradients" icon="gradient">
    **Challenge**: Logos with gradients are tricky

    **Option 1 - Preserve gradient**:

    * Use **Illustration** preset (not Logo)
    * Increase **Colors** to 64 or 256
    * Detail around 50
    * Gradient will be stepped/posterized but preserved

    **Option 2 - Flatten gradient** (recommended):

    * Use **Logo** preset with Detail 30
    * Gradient becomes solid colors
    * Manually recreate gradient in Figma (smoother result)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="For logos with text" icon="font">
    **Important**: Vectorized text becomes shapes (not editable text)

    **Better approach**:

    1. Vectorize logo separately from text
    2. Recreate text in Figma using matching font
    3. Or: Outline text after vectorizing, then adjust in Figma

    **Why**: Editable text is more flexible than traced shapes
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Expected Results

| Metric              | Typical Range             |
| ------------------- | ------------------------- |
| **File Size**       | 5-50 KB                   |
| **Processing Time** | 5-10 seconds              |
| **Quality**         | Professional, print-ready |
| **Editability**     | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy                |

***

## Scenario 2: Flat Illustration Vectorization

**Goal**: Convert stock illustration or artwork to editable vector

### Starting Point

**Typical situation**:

* Downloaded illustration from stock site
* PNG format, decent resolution
* Want to customize colors and elements
* For landing page or presentation

### Recommended Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Assess the Illustration">
    **Check complexity**:

    * **Simple flat** (few colors, clean shapes) → Start with Logo preset
    * **Moderate** (10-20 colors, some detail) → Illustration preset ⭐
    * **Complex** (30+ colors, gradients) → High-Fidelity preset

    Most fall into "Moderate" category → **Illustration preset**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Settings">
    **Recommended for most illustrations**:

    * **Preset**: Illustration
    * **Quality**: Standard
    * **Detail**: 50 (adjust based on texture)
    * **Colors**: 32 (increase to 64 if many colors)
    * **Draw Style**: Fill Shapes
    * **Fill Gaps**: Enabled

    **For textured illustrations**:

    * Increase **Detail** to 60-70 to preserve texture
    * Increase **Colors** to 64

    **For simple flat art**:

    * Decrease **Detail** to 35-40 for cleaner result
    * Colors can stay at 32 or reduce to 16
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview & Iterate">
    1. HD Preview with initial settings (2 credits)
    2. Check if texture/details are preserved
    3. Adjust Detail up/down as needed
    4. Preview again (2 more credits)
    5. Repeat until satisfied

    **Budget**: 4-6 credits in previews is normal for getting it right
  </Step>

  <Step title="Convert">
    Once settings are dialed in, convert (10 credits).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize in Figma">
    **Common edits for illustrations**:

    1. **Recolor for brand**
       * Enter SVG group
       * Select shapes by color
       * Apply design system colors

    2. **Remove unwanted elements**
       * Delete specific shapes
       * Hide layers
       * Modify paths

    3. **Add to design system**
       * Create component
       * Make color variants
       * Use as illustration library
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Illustration-Specific Tips

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="For UI Illustrations">
    **Onboarding screens, empty states, etc.**:

    * **Illustration** preset
    * **Detail**: 40-50 (clean, simplified)
    * **Colors**: 16-32 (matches design system better)
    * Keep file size manageable for web

    **Post-processing**:

    * Match to brand colors immediately
    * Create variants (success, error, loading)
    * Export as components
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="For Marketing Graphics">
    **Landing pages, social media, presentations**:

    * **Illustration** preset
    * **Detail**: 50-60 (preserve character)
    * **Colors**: 32-64 (rich, vibrant)
    * Higher quality acceptable (larger files ok)

    **Post-processing**:

    * Adjust composition in Figma
    * Scale/rotate elements
    * Combine with other graphics
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="For Infographic Elements">
    **Charts, icons, data viz**:

    * **Illustration** or **Logo** preset (depends on complexity)
    * **Detail**: 30-40 (clean, readable)
    * **Colors**: Match data viz palette (use Custom Palette)
    * Consistency across all elements

    **Post-processing**:

    * Align and distribute
    * Create master components
    * Build chart templates
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Scenario 3: Hand-Drawn Sketch Vectorization

**Goal**: Convert scanned drawing or photo of sketch to editable line art

### Starting Point

**Typical situation**:

* Scanned pencil/ink drawing
* Photo of whiteboard sketch
* Paper texture visible
* Want clean vector paths for further illustration

### Recommended Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Optimize the Scan/Photo">
    **Critical for good results**:

    1. **Increase contrast**
       * In Figma: Effects → Adjust colors
       * Make lines darker, background whiter
       * Removes faint marks

    2. **Crop and rotate**
       * Straighten the sketch
       * Crop to just the drawing
       * Remove border/edges

    3. **Clean up if needed**
       * Erase stray marks in Figma
       * Remove coffee stains, smudges
       * Better input = better output
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Settings">
    **Recommended configuration**:

    * **Preset**: Line Art
    * **Quality**: High (precise line capture)
    * **Detail**: 70 (preserve fine lines)
    * **Colors**: 8 (mostly black/white)
    * **Draw Style**: Stroke Shapes (automatic with Line Art)
    * **Fill Gaps**: Disabled
    * **Stroke Width**: 2.0-3.0px (match original line thickness)

    **If losing fine lines**:

    * Increase **Detail** to 80-90
    * Increase **Quality** to Ultra
    * Accept larger file size
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview First">
    Always preview scanned sketches:

    1. Check if fine lines are captured
    2. Verify paper texture is removed (not preserved as shapes)
    3. Zoom in to inspect line quality

    **Common issues**:

    * Paper texture → Decrease Detail to 40-50
    * Lines too thin → Increase Stroke Width
    * Missing details → Increase Detail to 80
  </Step>

  <Step title="Convert">
    Convert once settings are right (10 credits).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post-Processing">
    **Clean up the line art**:

    1. **Adjust stroke width**
       * Select all paths (`Cmd/Ctrl + A`)
       * Change Stroke weight in properties
       * Make uniform or varied

    2. **Manual cleanup**
       * Delete stray paths
       * Connect broken lines
       * Smooth rough sections

    3. **Add colors** (if desired)
       * Option 1: Outline Stroke → Fill shapes → Color
       * Option 2: Add fills behind line art
       * Option 3: Use as coloring page template
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Sketch-Specific Tips

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="For very rough/textured sketches" icon="scribble">
    **Challenge**: Paper texture and noise

    **Solution**:

    * **Decrease Detail** to 30-40 (removes texture)
    * **Increase contrast** before converting (makes lines stand out)
    * **Accept some loss** of very faint lines
    * **Manual touchup** after conversion

    **Alternative**: Scan at higher contrast initially
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="For technical drawings/wireframes" icon="drafting-compass">
    **Goal**: Precise, clean lines

    **Settings**:

    * **Line Art** preset
    * **Quality**: Ultra (maximum precision)
    * **Detail**: 60-70 (clean but accurate)
    * **Stroke Width**: 1.0-1.5px (thin, technical)

    **Post-processing**:

    * Use Figma's line snapping
    * Align to pixel grid
    * Create isometric or technical views
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Creating coloring pages" icon="paintbrush">
    **Workflow**:

    1. Vectorize with **Line Art** preset
    2. **Stroke Width**: 3-4px (thick, kid-friendly)
    3. **Export as SVG** or **PDF** for printing
    4. Or: Outline Stroke → Fill with white → Share as Figma template

    **Perfect for**: Illustrated coloring books, kids' activities
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Scenario 4: Photo to Vector Art

**Goal**: Convert photo to artistic vector representation

### Starting Point

**Typical situation**:

* Photograph (portrait, product, landscape)
* Want poster/artistic effect
* Not realistic reproduction

<Warning>
  **Important**: Vectorizing photos creates **artistic interpretation**, not photo-realistic reproduction. Manage expectations!
</Warning>

### Recommended Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare Photo">
    **Pre-processing helps significantly**:

    1. **Crop to subject**
       * Remove background if possible
       * Focus on main subject
       * Simpler composition = better result

    2. **Adjust exposure/contrast**
       * Well-defined shapes vectorize better
       * Avoid very dark or blown-out areas
       * Increase contrast slightly

    3. **Resize if huge**
       * 2000-3000px max dimension
       * Smaller = faster processing
       * Quality won't improve past certain size
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Conservative">
    **Try Illustration preset first**:

    * **Preset**: Illustration
    * **Quality**: Standard
    * **Detail**: 50
    * **Colors**: 64
    * **Preview** to see result (2 credits)

    **Evaluate**:

    * Too simplified? → Try High-Fidelity
    * Acceptable? → Done! (save 10 credits vs High-Fidelity)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upgrade if Needed">
    **If Illustration loses too much**:

    * **Preset**: High-Fidelity
    * **Quality**: High or Ultra
    * **Detail**: 80
    * **Colors**: 256
    * **Accept**: Larger file (1-2 MB), slower processing

    **Preview first!** (2 credits) — High-Fidelity takes 60 seconds, don't convert blind
  </Step>

  <Step title="Convert">
    Use whichever preset worked best in previews.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post-Processing">
    **Artistic adjustments**:

    1. **Simplify if too complex**
       * Right-click → Simplify
       * Reduces paths
       * Creates more "poster" effect

    2. **Adjust colors**
       * Increase saturation
       * Apply color overlays
       * Create duotone effect

    3. **Add effects**
       * Background blur
       * Shadows
       * Frames/borders

    <Tip>
      **Artistic approach**: Don't aim for photo realism. Embrace the vector aesthetic!
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Photo-Specific Tips

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Portraits">
    **Challenges**: Skin tones, fine details (hair, eyes)

    **Best approach**:

    * **High-Fidelity** preset
    * **Detail**: 70-80
    * **Colors**: 256 (skin tone gradations)
    * **Simplify after** for artistic effect

    **Alternative**: Use **Illustration** for stylized/cartoon effect
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Products">
    **Goal**: Clean product shot for marketing

    **Settings**:

    * **Illustration** or **High-Fidelity**
    * **Detail**: 60-70
    * **Colors**: 64-256 (depends on product)
    * **Remove background** before converting

    **Post-processing**:

    * Add drop shadow in Figma
    * Place on colored background
    * Create variations (colors/angles)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Landscapes/Scenes">
    **Complex challenge**:

    * **High-Fidelity** required
    * **Detail**: 80
    * **Colors**: 256 or Unlimited
    * **Long processing** time (60-90 seconds)
    * **Large files** (1-3 MB)

    **Consider**: Is vectorization necessary? Photos may be better as photos.

    **Use case**: Stylized backgrounds, poster art
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### When NOT to Vectorize Photos

<Warning>
  **Photos are often better left as photos**:

  * Realistic product photography
  * Portraits for documentation
  * Detailed textures (wood, fabric)
  * Web hero images (use WebP instead)

  **Vectorize photos only for**: Artistic effects, posters, stylized graphics
</Warning>

***

## General Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Always start with higher quality source" icon="image">
    **Input quality determines output quality**:

    | Source Quality | Max Output Quality |
    | -------------- | ------------------ |
    | 4K+ image      | Excellent          |
    | 1920-2000px    | Very good          |
    | 800-1500px     | Good               |
    | 300-800px      | Fair               |
    | Under 300px    | Poor               |

    **Rule**: Garbage in, garbage out. Get the best source possible.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use HD Preview liberally" icon="eye">
    **Preview is cheap insurance**:

    * **Cost**: 2 credits (vs 10 for conversion)
    * **Value**: Avoid wasting 10 credits on bad settings
    * **Math**: 3 previews (6 credits) + 1 convert (10) = 16 total
      * vs: 2 bad converts (20) = waste 4 credits

    **Don't skip preview** on unfamiliar image types!
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Match settings to end use" icon="target">
    **Optimize for your actual need**:

    | Use Case           | Recommended Settings                     |
    | ------------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
    | Web icon (64px)    | Logo preset, Standard quality            |
    | UI graphic (500px) | Illustration, Standard                   |
    | Print poster       | Illustration/High-Fidelity, High quality |
    | Large format       | High-Fidelity, Ultra quality             |

    Don't use Ultra quality for a 64px icon!
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Embrace Figma's post-processing" icon="wand-magic">
    **Plugin gets you 90% there, Figma finishes it**:

    **Common Figma touchups**:

    * Flatten shapes
    * Simplify paths
    * Boolean operations
    * Manual recoloring
    * Component creation

    **Don't obsess** over perfection in plugin — finish in Figma!
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Build a settings library" icon="book">
    **Document what works**:

    1. Screenshot successful settings
    2. Note image type and settings used
    3. Record file size and quality results
    4. Build internal playbook

    **Example doc**:

    ```
    Company Logos:
    - Preset: Logo
    - Detail: 25
    - Colors: 16
    - Results: 15-40 KB, clean edges
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Batch similar images with same settings" icon="layer-group">
    **Efficiency workflow**:

    1. Find optimal settings for first image (use Preview)
    2. Write down the settings
    3. Apply to all similar images (skip Preview)
    4. Convert batch

    **Example**: 20 team headshots → test 1, apply to all 20

    **Savings**: Massive time and credit savings
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Optimization Checklist

Before converting, ask yourself:

<Card>
  <Checklist>
    * [ ] Is source image high enough resolution?
    * [ ] Did I remove unnecessary background?
    * [ ] Did I crop tightly to subject?
    * [ ] Have I increased contrast if needed (for sketches)?
    * [ ] Did I choose appropriate preset for image type?
    * [ ] Will I use HD Preview to test settings?
    * [ ] Do I know my target use case (web/print)?
    * [ ] Have I read relevant scenario in this guide?
  </Checklist>
</Card>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Core Settings Deep Dive" icon="sliders" href="/user-guide/core-settings">
    Master Quality, Detail, Colors, and Style parameters
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting Guide" icon="wrench" href="/support/troubleshooting">
    Fix issues and optimize problematic conversions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>