Figma Vectorize launched February 4, 2026 as an AI-powered feature that converts raster images to vectors with one click. Illustrator Image Trace has been the industry standard for 20+ years. Neither replaces the other - Figma is for screen design, Illustrator is for print and complex illustration. Use both based on what you're building.
- Different tools for different jobs - Figma is for UI/web design, Illustrator is for print and illustration
- Figma Vectorize is AI-powered - One-click conversion, launched February 4, 2026
- Illustrator has more control - Extensive settings and presets for professional output
- Adobe fumbled 2025 - Image Trace got worse, users are frustrated
- Most pros use both - Pick the right tool for each project, not a religion
What Is Figma Vectorize?
Figma Vectorize is an AI-powered feature that converts raster images into editable vectors with one click. It launched on February 4, 2026. You can transform sketches, hand-drawn artwork, and photographs directly inside Figma without switching to another application. The feature uses AI credits and works in both Figma Design and Figma Draw.
The main advantage is workflow efficiency. If you're already designing in Figma, you don't need to export your image, open Illustrator, trace it, export again, and import back. You select the image, click Vectorize, and you're done. The vectors become editable shapes you can modify with Figma's vector tools immediately.
How Figma Vectorize Works
Select any raster image on your canvas and click "Vectorize" in the AI image editing toolbar. Figma's AI analyzes the image and converts it into vector paths. You get three output modes: full color, grayscale, or black and white. The result is a group of editable vector shapes that you can ungroup, recolor, and modify.
Availability and Pricing
Vectorize requires a paid Figma plan - Professional ($15/month), Organization, or Enterprise - with AI features enabled. Each conversion uses AI credits from your account. Free plan users cannot access this feature. The pricing model follows Figma's standard AI credit system that applies to all their AI-powered tools.
What Is Illustrator Image Trace?
Adobe Illustrator Image Trace converts raster images to vectors using traditional algorithms and presets. It's been a core Illustrator feature for over 20 years and remains the industry standard for professional vectorization. You get extensive control over the output through detailed settings panels for paths, corners, noise reduction, and color complexity.
Image Trace excels when you need production-ready vectors for print, packaging, or detailed illustration work. The granular controls let you fine-tune exactly how the tracing algorithm interprets your image. Professional illustrators rely on these controls for client deliverables that require precise specifications.
Image Trace Presets
Illustrator includes presets for common use cases: High Fidelity Photo, Low Fidelity Photo, 3 Colors, 6 Colors, 16 Colors, Shades of Gray, Black and White Logo, Sketched Art, Silhouettes, Line Art, and Technical Drawing. Each preset configures multiple settings automatically, giving you a starting point to customize further.
The 2025 Controversy
Adobe Illustrator 2025 removed the Simplify checkbox from Image Trace, and many users report significantly worse results. Posts on Adobe Community forums describe the feature as "nowhere near as good as previous versions." Some designers are keeping older Illustrator versions installed specifically for better Image Trace results.
"Image Trace in the 2025 version performs much poorer than previous versions from the last few years. It took me a while to figure it out but the new version has left off the Simplify check box."
- Adobe Community Forums
Head-to-Head Comparison
The core difference is workflow integration versus control depth. Figma Vectorize optimizes for speed and staying in one tool. Illustrator Image Trace optimizes for precision and output quality. Your choice depends on what you're making and where you're making it.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Figma Vectorize | Illustrator Image Trace |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | One click, no tool switching | Multi-step process |
| Control | Limited options | Extensive settings and presets |
| Technology | AI-powered | Traditional algorithms |
| Collaboration | Real-time team access | File-based sharing |
| Print Output | RGB only | CMYK, bleed, professional specs |
| Price | $15/month (Pro plan) | $22.99/month |
| Offline | Requires internet | Works offline |
Output Quality
For simple shapes, logos, and UI icons, both tools produce comparable results. The difference shows in complex images with gradients, textures, and fine detail. Illustrator's manual controls let experienced users achieve cleaner results on difficult source images. Figma's AI handles "good enough" cases faster but with less refinement options.
When to Use Figma Vectorize
Use Figma Vectorize when you're already working in Figma and need quick vector conversions for screen-based design. It's ideal for UI designers, web designers, and product teams who want to keep their entire workflow in one collaborative tool. The speed advantage is real when you're iterating fast.
Best Use Cases for Figma Vectorize
- UI icon creation - Convert sketched icons into editable vectors for interfaces
- Quick prototypes - Turn hand-drawn wireframes into vector mockups
- Texture overlays - Create reusable vector textures from photos
- Logo exploration - Rapidly test hand-drawn logo concepts digitally
- Collaborative projects - Team can see and edit vectors immediately
When Figma Vectorize Falls Short
Figma Vectorize isn't built for print production. If you need CMYK color profiles, precise bleeds, or files that will go to commercial printing, you still need Illustrator. The AI can also struggle with very complex images that require manual path cleanup - you don't get the fine-grained controls to fix problem areas.
When to Use Illustrator
Use Illustrator when output quality and production specifications matter more than speed. Print designers, professional illustrators, and anyone creating client deliverables for physical production should stick with Illustrator. The tool handles edge cases and complex requirements that Figma simply doesn't address.
Best Use Cases for Illustrator Image Trace
- Print production - Logos, packaging, signage with exact color specs
- Detailed illustration - Complex artwork requiring manual path refinement
- Client deliverables - When you need .AI or .EPS files
- Large format - Billboards, vehicle wraps, architectural graphics
- Precise tracing - Technical drawings, maps, detailed diagrams
Illustrator's Unique Strengths
Beyond Image Trace, Illustrator offers tools Figma lacks entirely. The Pen Tool precision, Shape Builder, Pathfinder operations, mesh gradients, pattern creation, and professional typography controls give illustrators capabilities they can't get elsewhere. These aren't just nice-to-haves - they're essential for certain types of work.
Can Figma Replace Adobe Illustrator?
No, Figma cannot fully replace Adobe Illustrator in 2026. They're fundamentally different tools built for different purposes. Figma is a collaborative interface design tool that added vector features. Illustrator is a professional illustration and print production tool. The overlap exists, but neither does everything the other does.
What Figma Does Better
Figma dominates collaborative UI/UX design. Real-time multiplayer editing, design systems with components and variants, prototyping, developer handoff, and web-first architecture make it the obvious choice for product teams. With features like Vectorize, Figma keeps expanding what you can accomplish without leaving.
What Illustrator Does Better
Illustrator owns professional illustration and print. The 30+ year toolset for vector creation, the industry-standard file formats, the integration with print workflows, and the depth of creative controls make it irreplaceable for certain work. No web-based tool matches its capabilities for complex illustration.
The Smart Approach
Most professional designers use both tools. Figma for interface design and rapid prototyping. Illustrator for detailed illustration and print production. The question isn't which tool is better - it's which tool fits your current project. Learn both, use both, and pick the right one for each job.
"Illustrator is powerful for creating vector graphics. Figma is very basic. They are two different animals for different purposes."
- r/FigmaDesign
What Designers Are Saying
Designer reactions to Figma Vectorize have been largely positive, with some important caveats. On X/Twitter, the feature went viral in the Japanese design community with comments like "Illustrator not needed" gaining significant traction. But experienced designers are more nuanced in their assessment.
Positive Reactions
One designer noted: "Just gave Figma's new Vectorize feature a spin, and it's slick!" Another commented on the practical benefits: "Using the new Vectorize feature from Figma, was able to generate and clean up these stamp vectors really quickly." The speed and convenience are clear wins for designers already in Figma.
Feature Requests
"Please add the curvature tool next time and let me replace Illustrator for good. At this point I'm just subscribing to Adobe Illustrator for this tool only."
- Designer on X/Twitter
This highlights that Figma is close but not quite complete for vector-heavy workflows. Designers want both tools to coexist, using each where it makes sense.
The Balanced Take
The most accurate assessment came from designers who use both tools: "Illustration is more fun in Figma because the UI interface is a lot more pleasant than Illustrator" - but they still acknowledge Illustrator's power for serious vector work. It's not either/or, it's knowing when to use which.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Figma Vectorize better than Illustrator Image Trace?
It depends on your use case. Figma Vectorize is faster and keeps you in one tool for UI/web design. Illustrator Image Trace offers more control for print work and detailed illustrations. For quick vectorization in a web design workflow, Figma wins. For precise, production-ready vectors, Illustrator is still better.
Can Figma replace Adobe Illustrator?
Figma cannot fully replace Illustrator in 2026. They serve different purposes. Figma excels at UI/UX design and collaboration. Illustrator dominates print design, complex illustrations, and professional vector work. Many designers use both tools depending on the project requirements.
Does Figma Vectorize use AI?
Yes, Figma Vectorize is AI-powered. It launched February 4, 2026 and uses AI to convert raster images into editable vectors. The feature requires AI credits and is available on Professional, Organization, and Enterprise plans with AI features enabled.
Why is Illustrator 2025 Image Trace worse than before?
Adobe removed the Simplify checkbox from Image Trace in Illustrator 2025, and it now appears stuck on by default. Many users report significantly worse results compared to Illustrator 2022-2024. Adobe has received numerous complaints about reduced path accuracy and lost detail in the latest version.
How much does Figma Vectorize cost?
Figma Vectorize is included with paid Figma plans (Professional at $15/month, Organization, and Enterprise) but uses AI credits per conversion. Free plan users cannot access Vectorize. The exact credit cost per conversion depends on image complexity.
Should I learn Figma or Illustrator first?
Learn based on your career goals. For UI/UX and product design, start with Figma - it's where most tech companies work. For illustration, print design, or freelance graphic design, start with Illustrator - it's the industry standard. Eventually, learning both gives you the most flexibility.
Bottom Line
Figma Vectorize and Illustrator Image Trace are both excellent tools for converting raster images to vectors. The right choice depends on your workflow and output needs. Use Figma for quick UI/web work when you're already in the tool. Use Illustrator for print production and detailed illustration that needs fine control.
Don't fall for the "Figma is killing Illustrator" narrative. They're designed for different purposes and different audiences. Professional designers understand this and use both tools where they make sense. Learn both, master both, and pick the right one for each project.
Want to master both tools? Explore Our Design Courses →
Written by Alan Ayoubi - Creative instructor teaching Adobe software and design tools to thousands of students worldwide on 92learns. Last updated: February 7, 2026.
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