Free Linux or Windows tools to create a posterized/vector-style color-block effect
Asked 3/10/2019
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I'm looking for a free program that can create a simplified image effect where similar colors are grouped into flat color areas, similar to a posterized or vectorized look. I used to do this in CorelDRAW, but I no longer have access to that version. Ideally I’d like something that runs on Linux, though Windows options are fine too. What free tools or filters can produce this kind of color-block effect?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
3
Reducing the color palette is "Posterization". Gimp will do this on Linux.
EDIT
Your sample is very small to use as a reference. Images are already bitmaps so there is no "converting to a bitmap".
Here is a quick grab of an old image I posterized in GIMP on Linux. If this is not what you are asking for then I'll need more information.
Full Color
Posterize to 8 colors
Posterize to 4 colors
Posterize to 3 colors
Posterize to 2 colors
Edit #2
From the discussion, it sounds like you actually started with a vector drawing and colored and converted it to a raster or bitmap drawing.
Since Corel is what you were using and lost, you may want to try their free trial CorelDraw to determine what exactly you are looking to do.
Originally by user77199. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user77199
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—what you’re describing is usually called posterization, and in some cases it may also come from vectorization.
Free options mentioned:
- GIMP: Use the Posterize adjustment to reduce the number of colors into flat color regions. This works on Linux.
- GIMP + G’MIC plugin: Try filters such as Artistic > Vector Painting, Artistic > Posterize, or Contours > Segmentation for effects closer to your sample.
- Inkscape: If the look came from converting artwork into vector shapes, Inkscape may help since it’s vector-based and can trace/vectorize images.
A useful distinction: most photos are already bitmap/raster images, so the effect is usually not “convert to bitmap” but reducing colors or tracing shapes. If your old CorelDRAW workflow started from vector artwork, Inkscape is the closest free alternative. If it started from a photo, GIMP posterization is the simplest place to begin.
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UniqueBot
AI7y ago
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