How to Make 2D Outline from Photo: Quick 8 steps

If you’re looking to make 2D outline from photo, this guide is for you. Here, we’ll use 2D design software like TechSoft 2D Design or similar to make 2d outline. 

Whether you are a student or a professional designer, this guide will help you achieve this skill using this simple software.

At the end of the article, you will learn to,

 

    • Choose an image (like a silhouette), 

    • Convert it into a 2D line drawing, and 

    • Prepare it for laser cutting or other digital uses

So no need to worry. This guide ensures your design works seamlessly with every project you’re working on. You can use these photos in design projects or to cut shapes with a laser cutter.

Okay, so now let’s dive into the process straight away!

What is 2d design

2D design means creating flat visuals focusing on height and width. You can use it for graphic design, floor plans, and product sketches. In that case,  you don’t need to worry about 3D aspects.

 Whether you’re designing a logo, a poster, or a technical drawing,  2D design keeps things clear and simple. For this,  Adobe Illustrator and TechSoft 2D are popular.

If you make a 2D outline from an image, you can convert complex visuals into designs. It can be laser-cut or printed.

No matter what you need it for, this method is useful, and it’s always fun to learn a new skill in design.

So let’s learn the way to make 2d outline from photo.

How to make 2D Outline from photo in photoshop

make 2d outline from photo in photoshop

To make 2D outline from photo, we’ve described here simple 8 steps. These steps will make your work easy. So let’s start the process:

Step 1: Download the Template

First, open a template file. You can get this from your teacher or an internet website. When you do have that, here is what to do:

 

    • Download the file in any location on your computer where you can access it later. Save this information as you are going to need the file later.

Once the file is saved, open it with your 2D design software. Don’t worry if you have never used the software before as it is user-friendly.

Step 2: Choose the Right Image

With your template open, it’s time to find your desired image. This step is crucial because not every image will work well in this process. The goal is to choose a clear-edge image. 

If so, you can easily convert it into a line drawing for the laser cutter to understand.

While searching for images online, use terms like “silhouette“. It is useful for locating simple images with clear outlines.

You can Search silhouette on Google or any search engine. For example, when searching for a dinosaur, look up “dinosaur silhouette” instead. This will show images that are more suitable for making a 2D sketch out of it.

If the image has too much detail, it won’t work well for laser cutting. The software and machine both prefer clean, simple outlines with bold edges.

Step 3: Copy the image and Paste it 

After you have an image that will work there is one more step, importing it over to your 2D design software.

copy image

Once you have chosen your image, right-click it and select ‘Copy Image.’

paste

Now, go back to your 2D software and Right click. Then paste the image.

Here, don’t worry about the size being too large or small as you will resize it soon.

Resize the image

Now that the image is in the workspace, you need to adjust its size:

 

    • Click once on the image to select it.

    • Click again to resize. Instead of clicking and dragging (as you would in other programs), click once to begin resizing. Then click again to set the final size.

Note: If you want to move the image, click on that yellow square in the middle of it. It will allow you to drag wherever.

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Step 4: Convert the Image to a Line Drawing

The laser cutter (or similar machine) only understands line drawings.

So the next step is to convert the image into one. Here’s how:

Here we go, first click on the image to select it. Look at the toolbar on your screen and locate where it is written “Bitmaps.”

 

    • Choose Black and White Silhouette. Here you can adjust the luminance settings if needed, but in most cases, you can leave this as it is. The most important setting is the background transparency.

blac

 

    • Make sure you select Background Transparent before pressing “OK.”

At this point, you should see the background has been removed. Now your image is a clean black-and-white silhouette. 

Step 5: clean up Line Drawing

So far, you have created the image as a silhouette.  The next step is to turn this black-and-white silhouette into a line drawing. what to do:

 

    1. Zoom in on your image to get a clearer view of the details.

    1. Like before, go to the Bitmaps menu, but select “Contour Bitmap.

countour

What is a Contour? A contour is a line that traces the outline of an object. It is exactly what we need for laser cutting. 

Think of it like the lines on a map that trace elevation – in this case, the line will trace the shape of your image.

 

    1.  By default, the contour size may be set to 5mm. Change this to 0mm to ensure the line hugs the outline of the image closely. 

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If you leave the contour at 5mm, it will create an extra space around the image. As a result, it will reduce the level of detail.

 

    1. Now press OK. You might not notice any visible changes at first. Yet you can rest assured, that the line drawing has been created.

    1.  The new line drawing has been placed directly on top of the original image, so you won’t see it right away. Click and move the original image to reveal the outline underneath.

reavel

Once applied, the software will create a contour line that follows the outline of your silhouette

Step 6: Delete the Original Image

Now it’s time to clean up your workspace. To do it, you need to remove the original image.

 

    1. Click on the original image to select it.

    1. Simply press the Delete key on your keyboard to remove the original image. You should now be left with only the line drawing, which is ready for further editing or cutting.

delete

Step 7: Change Line Color for Laser Cutting

For laser cutting, machines normally rely on specific line colors to know what to cut.

Here’s how to ensure your line drawing is ready for cutting:

 

    1. Click on the line drawing to select it. (the contour outline you created earlier).

    1. In the toolbar, look for “Line Color” (not Fill Color). Set the line color to red.

line color

8. Final Steps: Save and Export

save

Now that your 2D outline is complete. Save and export the file in a format.  The laser cutter or other machine can be used it.

 

    • Save your file regularly during the design process.

    • Export the file in a compatible format (such as . DXF or . SVG) that your laser cutter or CNC machine can read.

To export your design:

 

    • Go to FileExport, and choose your desired format.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! You now know how to make 2D outline from photo. So don’t worry if you want to create logos, architectural plans, or laser-cut designs. 

You can easily transform any image into a clean, usable outline with our detailed guide.

So, keep patience, and try yourself without the help of a designer. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you can’t get it anymore

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