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Tutorial

How to Create Vector Textures from Photos: Grunge, Fabric, and More

Transform photographs of textures into scalable vector graphics. Perfect for adding depth to designs without resolution limitations.

Sarah MillerJanuary 10, 2026Updated: January 10, 20269 min read read
S
Sarah Miller

UX Designer & Content Strategist

Sarah brings 6 years of design experience from agencies like IDEO and Frog Design. She specializes in visual design systems and brand optimization.

UX DesignBrand DesignVisual SystemsLogo Design


What Are Vector Textures?

Vector textures are stylized representations of surface qualities:

  • Grunge and distressed effects

  • Fabric and material textures

  • Paper and organic surfaces

  • Noise and grain patterns

    • Unlike photo textures, vectors scale infinitely and remain crisp.

    Photo Textures vs Vector Textures

    | Aspect | Photo Texture | Vector Texture |
    |--------|--------------|----------------|
    | Realism | High | Stylized |
    | Scalability | Limited | Infinite |
    | File size | Large | Small |
    | Editability | Difficult | Easy |
    | Use cases | Photorealistic | Illustration, print |

    Popular Texture Types

    Grunge & Distressed


  • Worn edges and scratches

  • Vintage paper effects

  • Urban decay aesthetics

  • Adds age and character

    • Fabric & Textile


  • Woven patterns

  • Knit textures

  • Canvas and linen

  • Fashion applications

    • Paper & Organic


  • Handmade paper

  • Watercolor effects

  • Natural materials

  • Artistic applications

    • Geometric & Noise


  • Halftone patterns

  • Digital noise

  • Stippling effects

  • Technical illustrations

    • The Vectorization Process

    Step 1: Photograph Your Texture


  • Use even lighting to avoid shadows

  • Shoot perpendicular to the surface

  • Capture at high resolution

  • Fill the frame with the texture

    • Step 2: Prepare the Image


  • Increase contrast significantly

  • Convert to black and white

  • Remove any unwanted elements

  • Crop to the texture only

    • Step 3: Vectorize


  • 1. Upload to [VectoSolve](/png-to-svg)

  • 2. AI traces the texture patterns

  • 3. Download SVG texture file

    • Step 4: Refine (Optional)


  • Simplify paths for smaller files

  • Adjust threshold for more/less detail

  • Create variations at different densities

    • Using Vector Textures

    As Clipping Masks


  • 1. Place texture over your design

  • 2. Apply as clipping mask

  • 3. Texture shows through shape

    • As Overlay Effects


  • 1. Position texture layer

  • 2. Set blending mode (multiply, screen, overlay)

  • 3. Adjust opacity for subtlety

    • As Pattern Fills


  • 1. Define texture as pattern swatch

  • 2. Fill shapes with texture pattern

  • 3. Scale and rotate as needed

    • Direct Integration


  • 1. Use texture as design element

  • 2. Color to match your palette

  • 3. Combine with other vectors

    • Tips for Better Textures

    Contrast is Key


  • High contrast = cleaner vectors

  • Avoid muddy, gray midtones

  • Push blacks darker, whites lighter

    • Simplify for Performance


  • More detail = larger files

  • Simplify paths after conversion

  • Use appropriate detail for scale

    • Create Variations


  • Dense version for large areas

  • Subtle version for accents

  • Edge version for borders

    • Color Flexibility


  • Save as single color

  • Easy to recolor for any project

  • Create colorways for variety

    • Texture Sources

    DIY Photography


  • Concrete and walls

  • Fabric and clothing

  • Paper and cardboard

  • Natural surfaces (wood, stone, leaves)

    • High-Contrast Objects


  • Screens and meshes

  • Perforated materials

  • Woven baskets

  • Crumpled materials

    • Scanned Items


  • Old paper and documents

  • Photocopied textures

  • Sandpaper and abrasives

  • Textured art supplies

    • Application Examples

    Vintage Designs


  • Add grunge to retro logos

  • Distress edges and corners

  • Create aged paper effects

    • Fashion Illustration


  • Simulate fabric textures

  • Add depth to flat colors

  • Create material distinctions

    • Packaging Design


  • Kraft paper effects

  • Tactile appearance

  • Premium uncoated look

    • Digital Art


  • Add noise and grain

  • Break up flat areas

  • Create illustrated textures

    • Common Mistakes

  • 1. Too much detail - vectors become huge files

  • 2. Low contrast source - results in messy traces

  • 3. Wrong scale - texture overwhelms design

  • 4. Single density - no variation options

  • 5. Ignoring edges - texture ends abruptly

    • Start Creating Textures

    Ready to build your texture library? [Vectorize textures now](/png-to-svg) and add depth to your designs.

    Pro Tip: Build a personal texture library over time - different surfaces, densities, and styles for various projects!

    Tags:
    textures
    grunge
    fabric
    distressed
    overlay
    design elements
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