Bitmap to Vector Question

This may be impossible...

[madcat]

Thanks >>

I'm using Fireworks MX for graphics, I have a friend who's got Photoshop so I can use that if necessary.

I created an image using live effects (ex. masking an image w/ a graphite texture, using 100% opacity, Multiply, etc...). I can export this as .png or .jpg and it works fine in any browser.

I want to export it as .swf though, that way I can set width to 100% and have it fit any browser resolution.

Problem: Live effects don't carry with the .swf file. If I Maintain Appearance during export, it looks nothing like the original image. So, is there anyway to vectorize effects like this so that it expands and contracts the way I'd like, or am I stuck in the mud so speak with this idea?

Maybe an image like this just can't vectorize right. I don't see how I could vectorize something like this from the beginning.

Thanks for any help

[monkeythumpa]

You have two options, the first is to trace it in Flash/Illustrator/your favorite vector program. Put the image on a base layer and layer shapes on top of it until it looks good. Then save it as whatever vector format you want. Illustrator can reproduce most basic effects.

The second option is to use a program like Adobe Streamline. It will trace it for you, and export it as an eps. The file is going to be relatively large since there will be a lot of anchors but the image fidelety will be greater.

[benihana]

Flash has a trace bitmap command that would do most of the donkey work for you, youd just need to tidy up at the end.

[madcat]

Thanks for your help...

I changed it up but it is still Flash...