All classes Illustrator Syllabus · Episode 28 of 106

Illustrator Class #28: Tracing a Photo with the Pen Tool: Vector Illustration of an Apple from a Real Photo

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Illustrator Tutorial: tracing a photo with the Pen Tool, tracing an apple photo, placing a photo, locked layer, vector illustration from a photo. Episode 28 of the Complete Adobe Illustrator Series.

Software: Adobe Illustrator
Level: Beginner
Duration: ± 4 min
Series total: 6 h 32 min · 106 videos
Published: October 27, 2026

Episode 28 of 106 · view syllabus

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Transcript

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Introduction

This is what we'll create in this episode: a vector illustration of an apple traced directly from a real apple photo using the Pen Tool, a technique used by professional illustrators. Let's get started. Hello, welcome back to the complete Adobe Illustrator series from Cerdas Inovasi Digital. Tracing or copying is the best way to practice the Pen Tool while also creating illustrations with accurate proportions. The photo serves as a reference on a separate layer. Create a square document, then select File > Place, and choose the apple photo.

Step 1: Placing the photo

Click and drag on the artboard to position it. This photo is licensed under CC0, so it's free to use for practice.

Step 2: Locking and dimming the photo

In the Layers panel, rename the layer to 'Photo'. Lower the opacity of the photo to 50% so the traced lines are clearly visible, then lock the layer with the lock icon. Create a new layer named 'Illustration' above it. Select the Pen Tool with no fill color and a red stroke for good contrast.

Step 3: Tracing the apple silhouette

Start from the top curve of the apple, click and drag following the fruit's edge, right side, bottom, left side, then return and close the shape. Use as few anchor points as possible.

Step 4: Leaf and stem

Trace the leaf with just 2 anchor points. Click and drag from the base to the tip of the leaf. The stem is created with 2 anchor points and a thick brown stroke with rounded ends. Hide the photo layer with the eye icon.

Step 5: Hiding the photo

Now the pure traced result is visible as a vector line.

Step 5: been foto

If any part is not accurate, refine it using the Direct Selection Tool.

Step 6: Color and shine

Add a red solid fill apple without a stroke, a green leaf, and add a transparent white highlight on the top right. The apple illustration is complete. Save and export. Done.

Done!

We have placed the original photo, locked and reduced its opacity, traced the silhouette, leaf, and stem using the Pen Tool, and then colored the result. In the next episode, we simplify the path and create an outline sticker with an offset path. Need a logo design, brand identity, vector illustration, infographics, or print and social media materials? Cerdas Inovasi Digital provides vector graphic design services and offers Illustrator courses from beginner to advanced. Want to master the entire series? 106 episodes from the interface to the final project? All episodes, complete with step-by-step PDF guides, practice files, and vector project files, are available for premium tutorial subscribers. Subscribe starting at Rp69.000 per month, save 28% with the 12-month package, or pay once Rp999.000 for lifetime access. Want just one class? Buy a single class with lifetime access. Subscribe now at the premium page cerdasinovasidigital.com Contact us via WhatsApp, or visit cerdasinovasidigital.com Thank you for watching, see you in the next episode.

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Cerdas Inovasi Digital Team

Software developers, BIM & 3D engineers, and AI practitioners

52 video classes1,277 episodes

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Transcript

0:03Introduction

0:39Step 1: Placing the photo

0:48Step 2: Locking and dimming the photo

1:09Step 3: Tracing the apple silhouette

1:22Step 4: Leaf and stem

1:39Step 5: Hiding the photo

1:43Step 5: been foto

1:49Step 6: Color and shine

2:56Done!

Ask the class material

My notes

Questions & answers

Your instructor

Recommended classes for you

Need more than a video?

Transcript

0:03Introduction

0:39Step 1: Placing the photo

0:48Step 2: Locking and dimming the photo

1:09Step 3: Tracing the apple silhouette

1:22Step 4: Leaf and stem

1:39Step 5: Hiding the photo

1:43Step 5: been foto

1:49Step 6: Color and shine

2:56Done!

Ask the class material

My notes

Questions & answers

Your instructor

Introduction

Step 1: Placing the photo

Step 2: Locking and dimming the photo

Step 3: Tracing the apple silhouette

Step 4: Leaf and stem

Step 5: Hiding the photo

Step 5: been foto

Step 6: Color and shine

Done!

Introduction

Step 1: Placing the photo

Step 2: Locking and dimming the photo

Step 3: Tracing the apple silhouette

Step 4: Leaf and stem

Step 5: Hiding the photo

Step 5: been foto

Step 6: Color and shine

Done!