vectorize-image

name	vectorize-image
description	Convert a bitmap/raster image (PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, WebP) into a clean vector file (SVG, PDF, EPS, DXF, or PNG) using the vectorizer.ai API. Use this skill whenever the user wants to vectorize an image, trace a logo, turn a PNG/JPG into an SVG, get a scalable version of a raster graphic, clean up a pixelated logo, prep artwork for print or large-format display, or asks to "convert this to SVG/vector". Trigger even if they don't say "vectorize" — e.g. "make this logo scalable", "I need an SVG of this icon", "trace this bitmap", or "turn this screenshot of a logo into something crisp". Spends vectorizer.ai credits (1 per production render), so it also covers free test renders and cost-aware previews.
metadata	{"version":"1.0.0","author":"Stacey Vetzal"}
compatibility	Requires python3, network access, and VECTORIZER_API_ID / VECTORIZER_API_SECRET environment variables (a vectorizer.ai API subscription is needed for paid production/preview renders; test mode is free).

Vectorize a bitmap image

Convert raster images into vector graphics through the vectorizer.ai API. The bundled script handles auth, upload, the multipart request, error parsing, and cost reporting. You drive it; you don't need to hand-write curl or build the request yourself.

Setup

The API uses HTTP Basic auth. Provide two environment variables — the vectorizer.ai API Id (username) and API Secret (password):

export VECTORIZER_API_ID="..."
export VECTORIZER_API_SECRET="..."

Keep these in your shell secrets file (e.g. ~/.secrets.sh) and source it before running. If either is missing, the script exits with a clear message — tell the user to add them rather than trying to discover keys elsewhere. Find them under Account → API at https://vectorizer.ai.

Quick start

The default produces a clean, deliverable SVG and spends 1 credit — that's almost always what's wanted, so just do it:

python3 .claude/skills/vectorize-image/scripts/vectorize.py \
  /path/to/logo.png -o /path/to/logo.svg

The script prints the output path, bytes written, and credits charged so the cost is always visible after the fact.

Cost tiers — know what you're spending

vectorizer.ai is metered. The script's --mode controls the trade-off:

--mode	Credits	Result	When
production (default)	1.0	clean, usable	the real deliverable
preview	0.2	watermarked PNG, 4×	cheap "is this trace any good?" check
test	0	heavy watermark	verifying the pipeline works, no charge

Default behaviour is production without asking — that's usually the intent. Drop to --mode test only when explicitly checking the plumbing (e.g. confirming credentials work) so you don't burn credits on a throwaway.

Account gate: production and preview require a vectorizer.ai API subscription — distinct from a regular subscription. Without it the API returns HTTP 402 / code 1008 ("you need to have an API subscription…"); test mode still works. That's an account/billing state, not a bug — relay the message and point the user at https://vectorizer.ai/pricing; don't retry production.

Inputs and formats

The input argument is flexible — the script figures out the source type:

• Local file: logo.png → uploaded directly. Accepts PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, WebP.
• Remote URL: https://example.com/logo.png → fetched by the API.
• Stored token: token:abc123 → reuse a previously retained image for a cheap re-download in another format.

Output format via --format (default svg): svg | pdf | eps | dxf | png. Pick svg for web/most uses, pdf/eps for print workflows, dxf for CAD/cutting.

# Same trace, delivered as PDF
python3 .claude/skills/vectorize-image/scripts/vectorize.py \
  poster.jpg -o poster.pdf --format pdf

Tuning the trace

Most images need nothing beyond the defaults. When the user wants control, pass any API parameter through with -P name=value (repeatable). The common ones:

# Flat logo with a limited palette — cap colours to keep it crisp
python3 .claude/skills/vectorize-image/scripts/vectorize.py \
  logo.png -o logo.svg -P processing.max_colors=8

# Outline / line-art style instead of filled shapes
python3 .claude/skills/vectorize-image/scripts/vectorize.py \
  sketch.png -o sketch.svg -P output.draw_style=stroke_edges

# Drop tiny speckles (raise the minimum shape area)
python3 .claude/skills/vectorize-image/scripts/vectorize.py \
  scan.png -o scan.svg -P processing.shapes.min_area_px=4

The full parameter catalogue — colour palettes, curve fitting, sizing/DPI, grouping, SVG version, gap filler, retention tokens, response headers, the companion download/delete/account endpoints — is in references/api.md. Read it when a request needs an option not shown above.

After a render

The script reports credits charged. If the user is iterating on settings, suggest --mode preview (0.2 credit) or --mode test (free) for the exploratory rounds, then one final production render — that's the cost-efficient pattern. If they expect to pull multiple formats of the same image, mention -P policy.retention_days=N, which returns a reusable image token (shown in the output) so later format downloads are discounted.

Reporting back

Confirm the output path and state the credits spent plainly (e.g. "Wrote logo.svg — charged 1.0 credit"). If vectorizer.ai returns an error, the script surfaces the API's code and message; relay that rather than guessing at the cause.