: Why can't I ImageTrace an image in my pattern? I need to image trace some images that are in a custom pattern I made so that I can recolor the pattern. The images were placed there and

@Kevin459

If the image trace options are in the drop down, and it is just the custom that is missing/greyed out, try the "Image Trace" window under the Window menu.

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@Bryan765

Image tracing doesn't work on Embedded images. You can unembed images by using this command.

Window > Links > Select the Image and from flyout menu > Unembed Image.

It will ask you to save the image. Give it the desired directory. Image tracing will be enabled.

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@Moriarity648

One of the issues I found was that after selecting all my modifiers in the image trace box, unclicking 'preview', then hitting trace. Sometimes you also need to scroll over to OBJECT > IMAGE TRACE > EXPAND to do what you're trying to do.

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@Alves566

Release all clipping masks from the image (Object>Clipping Mask>Release). Then you should have the Live Trace option available.

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@Connie430

I find I get myself into this situation when I've cut'n'pasted a bitmap image directly into Illustrator and then the Object / Image Trace image has all greyed out options and the Window / Image Trace has no buttons available.

The solution I've found is to Object / Rasterize... it first, as the moment the item is pasted into Illustrator it is an "object" that can be [somewhat] manipulated still (kind of like smart objects in Photoshop). When the item is Rasterized within Illustrator it then sees it as a bitmap image that can be traced.

Once done, and the object is selected using the black arrow Selection Tool (V), the tracing menus come alive.

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@Reiling762

Be sure that you have enough RAM on the machine that you are using.

There should be a shortcut drop-down at the top of illustrator once a raster is selected. Click the drop arrow next to Image Trace and select the different options. YOu will have to press CMD+Z or CTRL+Z to undo the vector image to try the next quick option.

To get more detailed: Go to Window drop-down and find Image Trace. This will open the Image Trace dialog box. Click the advanced tab to see more control options. Use the drop-down to select whether you want your vector to include color, be grey-scale or black and white.

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@Steve758

Use the Window menu and select Image trace. Make an amendment in this window and this becomes you custom image trace.

Once you have done the image trace you need to expand and this will make a vector.

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