The short version.
For colour, gradients, exact manual editing or a complete layout I use Illustrator. If the software should cost nothing and I want to edit every node locally, Inkscape can do an astonishing amount. Vector Magic is often the quickest dedicated automatic tracer, particularly with clean artwork and colour.
Vector Boy is my shortcut for black shapes. I can compare source, separation and vector in one place, remove a stray area with the lasso and export the result as a closed production path. It is deliberately narrower than a vector editor.
What I use each one for.
The source always has the final say. This table describes real working situations, not a synthetic score.
Colour, grayscale, black and white, gradients and editable paths in a complete design application.
Professional refinement, multi-colour artwork and existing Adobe workflows.
Costs more, takes time to learn and can produce many anchors or objects that still need cleanup.
Strong automatic tracing, colour support, segmentation editing and a focused preview.
Fast automatic results, logos and colour artwork when uploading or desktop installation is acceptable.
Online download requires a subscription; advanced control and DXF are desktop features.
Free, open source, local desktop tracing with brightness, edge and multiple-scan modes.
Zero software cost, manual node editing and users willing to learn a full vector editor.
More steps, less guided, and colour scans can create stacks of objects that are tedious to edit.
Local browser workflow for one-colour forms, direct comparison, lasso cleanup and closed SVG, PDF, EPS and DXF paths.
Handwriting, stencils, logos and quick black-and-white production files without installing an editor.
No colour or gradient tracing, no node editor and weaker than the others for complex photographs or multi-colour illustration.
When Vector Boy is the wrong tool.
I built Vector Boy for one colour production shapes. That focus makes it quick, but it also creates clear limits.
- A multi colour logo should remain multi colour.
- A photograph needs colour layers, gradients or a photorealistic vector interpretation.
- Individual nodes, fills and path operations must be edited after tracing.
- A batch of hundreds of files needs a desktop automation workflow.
Illustrator for controlled professional editing, Inkscape as a free local editor, or Vector Magic for focused automatic colour tracing.
Sources and current product facts.
I checked feature and pricing statements against the manufacturers’ own documentation on 15 August 2026.