Vector Magic is a new online package from Stanford University for converting bitmap images into vector based artwork. Vectors are great because they are scalable you can print them at any size and they still look nice and crisp. I often find I’ve been doodling a character and want to use them in flash which likes vectors better than bitmaps so I have in the past spent a couple of hours converting the bitmap into a vector by tracing it.

Vector magic takes your bitmap and converts it automatically after you make a series of choices  about your image. The above shows the results, I gave the packages a thumbnail image of panda Bob and the right is the vector output. There have been functions like this for a while, flash has trace bitmap and illustrator has a similar tool but neither produce good results and usually the amount of vector points used is horrific. From a few tests on stuff like panda Bob the output is as good as if I’d hand traced it.

Well its been about 6 years since I last did a blog post, mainly because I was abducted by aliens. It was on the way home after several pints of slaughter house ale I saw a bright light and then 6 years had past, I woke up with a sligh headache and a complete set of artwork for a kebab based game, which you can see by clicking on the picture, or view the Kebab Van.

Also this month I’ve written an article about game interface design which is on the mighty mochiland. Which was good as the kind chaps there sent me 2 t-shirts for producing the article, which reminds me I said I’d take a shot of me in them to prove I actually wear them.

See you again in another 6 years.