Vectorize Plugin Rhino 2021 May 2026

The Vectorize plugin for Rhino 7, developed by Dale Fugier, is a free, open-source tool based on the Potrace library that automatically converts raster images into editable Rhino curves. The tool, which is installed via the Rhino Package Manager ( PackageManager

), offers customizable settings for threshold and tolerance to convert high-contrast, black-and-white images into clean vector data. Read the full details at Food4Rhino Rhino Image to Vector: Vectorize Plug-In vectorize plugin rhino 2021

Rhino 7 introduced native Vectorize functionality (formerly a separate plugin) to convert raster images (PNG, JPG, BMP) into vector curves (lines, arcs, polysurfaces). If you have an older third-party plugin called "Vectorize," this guide focuses on the built-in PictureFrame + Vectorize commands. The Vectorize plugin for Rhino 7, developed by

Cons

• No Multi-Page or Batch Tracing: Each image must be traced individually. For users with dozens of scanned sheets, this becomes tedious.
• Struggles with Low-Res or Noisy Images: Unlike dedicated AI-based tracers (e.g., Adobe Capture), Vectorize does not “intelligently” guess missing lines. Blurry JPEG artifacts turn into hundreds of jagged micro-segments.
• Rhino 2021 Specific Bugs: Some users report occasional crashes when tracing images larger than 10 MB. Also, undo operations after vectorizing can sometimes leave behind ghost raster objects.
• No Gradient or Filled Region Detection: Only outlines. If you need hatches or filled regions, you must manually join and fill the curves.
• Price: At $49 (during 2021), it felt reasonable for professionals but steep for hobbyists, especially since free online tracers exist (with privacy trade-offs).

Step 1 – Import the Image

Use PictureFrame command to place a raster image in the Rhino viewport: No Multi-Page or Batch Tracing: Each image must

1. Type PictureFrame → Enter.
2. Select your image file.
3. Click two corners to define its size (or press Enter to use original dimensions).
4. The image will appear as a rectangle with the image mapped onto it.

Tip: Place the image on a separate layer (e.g., "Reference Image") and lock it after vectorizing.

Step 3 – Run the Vectorize Command

1. Type Vectorize → Enter.
2. Select the PictureFrame object (click on the image).
3. The Vectorize dialog opens.