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SPECIFICTION
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AutoTrace

github.com

WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.4 #21 of 26 in Image Vectorization Software

What it is

AutoTrace converts bitmap images into vector graphics, with tracing options for outlines or centerlines. It can reduce colors and despeckle images to reduce noise, and its listed maximum color count is 256. Input formats include PNG, BMP, TGA, PNM, and GF; ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick can add JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and other formats. Outputs include SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, DXF, CGM, EMF, MIF, ER, and Fig. The project documents command-line conversion and use through the libautotrace library. It is free and listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Installation options include package managers for macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD, Windows installers, or building from source. Source builds require a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are optional dependencies. The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later, while the library uses LGPL v2.1 or later. The README directs users to the issue tracker and describes the graphical frontend as inactive. Version 0.31.10 is listed as the latest release.

Spec sheet

Purpose
AutoTrace converts bitmap images to vector graphics.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Support
The README directs users to the GitHub issue tracker and welcomes contributions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later, and the libautotrace library under LGPL v2.1 or later.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Founded
1998Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Author
The README names Martin Weber as the original developer and lists him under Author.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Build requirement
Building from source requires GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are listed as optional dependencies.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Build requirements
Building from source requires a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer; libpng and ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick are listed as optional.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Image cleanup
It includes color reduction and despeckling features.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Input formats
Listed input formats include PNG, BMP, TGA, PNM, and GF; ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick adds JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and other formats.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Installation
The README lists macOS Homebrew and MacPorts, Fedora/RHEL and Arch Linux packages, FreeBSD packages, Windows installers, and source builds.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Licensing
The program is licensed under GPL v2 or later and the library under LGPL v2.1 or later.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Notable limitation
The README describes the GUI frontend as inactive.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Output formats
Listed output formats include SVG, EPS, PDF, AI, DXF, CGM, EMF, MIF, and Fig.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Release
The releases page lists version 0.31.10 as the latest release.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Release note
The 0.31.10 release notes list ImageMagick 7 support, addressed HKUST CVEs, and Windows 32-bit and 64-bit installers.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Support and contributions
The README directs users to the issue tracker and welcomes contributions including bug fixes, documentation, format support, and image-editor plugins.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Tracing
It supports outline and centerline tracing of shapes.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com
Usage
The project documents command-line conversion and use as the libautotrace library.Read 29 Sep 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Traces outlines or centerlines.
  • Offers color reduction and despeckling.
  • Supports numerous vector output formats.
  • Free on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Limits

  • The graphical frontend is described as inactive.
  • Source builds require a C compiler and GLib 2.58 or newer.
  • Some input formats need ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick.

Who it suits

AutoTrace suits users who need free bitmap-to-vector conversion on desktop systems and are comfortable with command-line use or the library. It may also suit users building image workflows that need its listed input and output formats.

Verdict

AutoTrace provides free bitmap tracing with multiple output formats and command-line and library options. The inactive GUI means users should consider whether command-line use fits their workflow.

Where Specifiction places it

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