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POTRACE - transform bitmaps into vector graphics
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Potrace is a tool for tracing a bitmap, which means transforming a
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bitmap into a smooth scalable image. The input is a bitmap (PBM,
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PGM, PPM, or BMP), and the default output is one of several vector
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file formats.
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A typical use is to create EPS files from scanned data, such as
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company or university logos, handwritten notes, etc.
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The resulting image is not "jaggy" like a bitmap, but smooth. It can
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then be rendered at any resolution.
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Potrace can currently produce the following output formats: EPS,
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PostScript, PDF, SVG (scalable vector graphics), DXF, GeoJSON, PGM
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(for easy antialiasing of pixel-based images), Gimppath, and
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XFig. Additional backends might be added in the future.
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A separate program, mkbitmap, is also provided. This program can act
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as a pre-processor for Potrace, applying scaling and various filters
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to an image before converting it to a bitmap. This is useful for
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potracing greyscale and color images.
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