At a Glance

The Vectorize Bitmap tool converts imported raster images into editable, machinable vector contours. This allows you to take logos, artwork, or any bitmap image and generate clean vector outlines suitable for toolpath creation.

Parameters

• Vectorizer Mode –
  • Standard: Ideal for most images and general use.
  • Advanced: Offers additional control for complex or specialized vectorization needs.
• Resolution – Controls how finely the image is sampled during vectorization.
  • Lower values (around 50) process faster and are suitable for simpler images.
  • Higher values produce finer detail at the cost of longer processing time.
• Contrast – Adjusts how strongly the vectorizer differentiates between light and dark regions.
  • Increasing contrast helps emphasize strong edges.
  • Decreasing contrast helps capture subtle or faint details.
  • Values range from 0 to 100.
• Smoothing – Controls how much the vectorizer refines jagged edges or pixelated lines.
  • Off: Traces each pixel directly, resulting in a highly detailed but rough contour.
  • On: Produces smoother, more natural curves suitable for machining.

Overview

The Vectorize Bitmap tool in Ibex is a powerful way to integrate raster graphics into your machining workflow. Start by importing your image into the drawing area—this can include logos, sketches, or reference images.

Open the Vectorize Bitmap command from the Edit ribbon. You’ll see parameters for the selected image, including the Vectorizer Mode, Resolution, Contrast, and Smoothing options. For most projects, the Standard Vectorizer provides all the control needed for effective results.

When you run the vectorization process, Ibex analyzes the bitmap and generates vector contours that represent the visible shapes. The Resolution determines how closely the contours follow the image pixels. If the contours appear blocky or miss fine detail, increasing the resolution can help.

The Contrast parameter allows you to tune how the tool distinguishes between colors and brightness levels—especially helpful for complex images with subtle shading or mixed tones. Adjusting this slider between 20 and 80 usually provides a good balance for most graphics.

Perhaps the most important setting is Smoothing. When smoothing is disabled, each pixel edge is traced directly, resulting in sharp, stepped contours. This can be useful for pixel art or precise pattern reproduction but is often too jagged for clean machining. Enabling smoothing blends pixel edges into continuous curves, giving you a cleaner, more professional outline suitable for toolpath generation.

Once vectorized, the resulting contours can be edited, scaled, or combined with other geometry to create toolpaths for engraving, profiling, or pocketing.

By adjusting these parameters—especially resolution, contrast, and smoothing—you can efficiently transform nearly any image into a usable vector design ready for CNC machining or engraving.