--- {"title": "AutoTrace vs Vector Magic in 2026", "description": "AutoTrace and Vector Magic compared for image to DXF conversion, with VectorMagik as another option for tracing pictures.", "url": "https://texhouse.us/autotrace-vs-vector-magic/", "date": "2026-10-13"} --- AutoTrace and Vector Magic compared for image to DXF conversion, with VectorMagik as another option for tracing pictures. Vector Magic converts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmaps to SVG, EPS and PDF online, and its desktop edition also produces AI and DXF output. [^1] [^1] VectorMagik traces pictures into vector shapes and can save results as DXF and other formats. [^2] [^2] The sources given here do not include enough AutoTrace facts to compare its features or pricing. | Option | What it does | Price | Where it runs | |---|---|---|---| | AutoTrace | not published | not published | not published | | Vector Magic | Converts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmap images to SVG, EPS and PDF vector images online; desktop edition also produces AI and DXF output. [^1] [^1] | Online Edition $9.95 per month, billed monthly; Desktop Edition $295 per license one-time charge. [^3] [^3] | Online edition supported in latest Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge on desktops and laptops. [^1] | | VectorMagik | Traces pictures into vector shapes and saves SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG. [^2] [^2] | Free for everyone; business use needs a licence under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0. [^2] | Windows x64, macOS Apple Silicon and Intel, Linux x64, plus a browser version. [^2] | ## The short answer Vector Magic converts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmaps to SVG, EPS and PDF online, and its desktop edition also produces AI and DXF output. [^1] [^1] VectorMagik traces pictures into vector shapes using its own engine and lets makers save results as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG. [^2] [^2] The sources provided for AutoTrace do not state what it does, so its needs are not matched here. Vector Magic is described by its sources as a tool for converting bitmap images into vector images. [^1] VectorMagik is described by its claims as a tool for tracing pictures and exporting the result. [^2] [^2] ## What AutoTrace, Vector Magic is built for The facts provided for AutoTrace do not state what the tool does, so this page does not add a description for it. Vector Magic converts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmap images to SVG, EPS and PDF vector images online by uploading them. [^1] Vector Magic's desktop edition also produces AI and DXF output. [^1] Vector Magic traces bitmaps into real vector shapes rather than embedding pixels. [^1] The online edition supports the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge on desktops and laptops. [^1] ## What VectorMagik is built for VectorMagik is made by the team that publishes this site, and it traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine. [^2] You can save the result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG. [^2] A tolerance slider merges neighbouring curve pieces, and Auto picks the largest tolerance that keeps the picture. [^2] You can move or delete curve nodes and round individual corners after converting. [^2] You can limit the result to between 1 and 64 colours. [^2] It can add a die-cut sticker outline with a border, white rim and optional drop shadow. [^2] ## Pricing and fees Vector Magic's Online Edition costs $9.95 per month, billed monthly, with unlimited use. [^3] Vector Magic's Desktop Edition costs $295 as a one-time charge per license, with unlimited use. [^3] VectorMagik says it is free for everyone, and business use needs a licence under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0. [^2] The AutoTrace price is not published in the facts provided here. Vector Magic accepts all major credit cards and PayPal, but does not accept purchase orders and does not issue invoices. [^3] ## Setting it up and printing Vector Magic's online edition works in supported desktop and laptop browsers, including the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge. [^1] Vector Magic's source says that to download results you need to subscribe to the Online Edition. [^3] VectorMagik has downloads for Windows x64, macOS with Apple Silicon and Intel support, Linux x64, plus a browser version. [^2] VectorMagik installs with a Windows installer, a portable zip, a macOS zip, a Debian or Ubuntu .deb or a Linux tar.gz from GitHub releases. [^2] For a printer and slicer workflow, check that the exported format from the converter matches what the next tool accepts. ## Things to check before you choose Ask which image formats you start with and which output files you need for your maker workflow. Check whether you need DXF export, because Vector Magic's desktop edition produces AI and DXF output. [^1] Check whether the converter's image size rules work for your files, because Vector Magic states that the maximum allowed image size is 1 megapixel. [^1] Ask whether you need browser access or an installed program, and check the pricing before choosing a paid option. ## How to choose If you need JPG, PNG, BMP or GIF images converted online to SVG, EPS or PDF, Vector Magic's source says it does that. [^1] If you need AI or DXF output from a desktop edition, Vector Magic's source says it produces those formats. [^1] If you need a tool that traces pictures and exports DXF with other file types, VectorMagik's claims say it does that. [^2] [^2] If you need to adjust curve nodes after conversion, VectorMagik says you can move or delete curve nodes and round individual corners. [^2] ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Vector Magic free? Vector Magic's source says that to download results you need to subscribe to the Online Edition. [^3] The Online Edition costs $9.95 per month, billed monthly, and the Desktop Edition costs $295 per license as a one-time charge. [^3] [^3] ### Can Vector Magic export DXF files? Vector Magic's desktop edition produces AI and DXF output. [^1] The online conversion facts provided for Vector Magic list SVG, EPS and PDF output for uploaded JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmap images. [^1] ### Does VectorMagik convert images to DXF? VectorMagik traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine and can save the result as DXF along with SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, EMF and PNG. [^2] [^2] ### Does Vector Magic need software installed? Vector Magic's page says its online version converts bitmap images to vector images online by uploading them. [^1] Its supported browser facts list the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge on desktops and laptops. [^1] ### What should a maker check before choosing an image to DXF converter? Check the image formats you need, the output files required by your next tool, the available pricing, and whether the converter runs where you work. Vector Magic and VectorMagik publish different details about formats, platforms and costs, so compare the points that matter for your workflow. [^1] [^1] [^2] [^2] Free for everyone; business use needs a licence (PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0). [^2] - [Visit VectorMagik](/go/start-vectormagik) ## Sources [^1]: Vector Magic, vectormagic.com, read 2026-10-07 (https://vectormagic.com/) [^2]: VectorMagik's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher) (/go/start-vectormagik) [^3]: Vector Magic, vectormagic.com/pricing, read 2026-10-07 (https://vectormagic.com/pricing)