Create a Vector Logo from a Sketch in Photoshop (Export SVG)
In this tutorial you’ll transform a hand-drawn sketch into a high‑resolution logo you can scale and use anywhere. You’ll capture and vectorize your sketch with Adobe Capture, refine and color it in Photoshop, and export an SVG. You’ll also see how to convert the selection to paths for a true vector in Illustrator.
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare and clean your sketch
Outline your pencil sketch with a fine-tip or brush marker to create strong, clean lines.
Erase remaining pencil marks so the outline is crisp and high-contrast.
Place the sketch in good, even lighting for photographing.
Vectorize the sketch with Adobe Capture
Install and open Adobe Capture on your phone.
Choose Shape capture mode.
Adjust the Detail slider for the amount of edge detail you want.
Tap the Auto Clean icon for a cleaner capture, then tap the checkmark.
Crop the image to your art; enable Smoothing to refine curves.
Save to create an SVG and tap Send to Photoshop.
Set up the Photoshop document
Photoshop opens automatically with your capture; name your project.
Set Resolution to 300 DPI if you plan to print, then click OK.
Confirm you have a transparent background and your sketch on a layer.
Inspect, tidy, and export a black-outline SVG
Zoom in to check edges and erase any stray marks around the outline.
If you want only a black outline version, go to File → Export → Export As → SVG and save it.
Add color in Photoshop
Duplicate the original layer by dragging it to the New Layer icon; hide the original to preserve it.
Press G to select the Paint Bucket Tool.
Choose a yellow‑orange color for the light rays and click inside those closed areas to fill.
Choose a bright blue color for the bulb and fill the bulb area.
Export the colored logo via File → Export → Export As → SVG.
Optional: Convert to true vector paths for Illustrator
Show the black version (hide color).
Cmd‑click (Mac) / Ctrl‑click (Windows) the layer thumbnail to load a selection of the artwork.
Press M for the Rectangular Marquee Tool, right‑click on the selection → Make Work Path.
Set Tolerance to 1 px → OK to generate paths.
Go to File → Export → Paths to Illustrator… and choose Work Path → OK.
Open the exported .ai file in Illustrator to work with true vector paths.
Build and reuse a color theme via Libraries (optional)
In Photoshop, open Libraries; click + → Create from Image.
Choose Color Theme, then Save to your Creative Cloud Library.
In Illustrator, select a path; open Libraries and click a swatch from your saved theme to apply fills.
Scale and place your logo
In Illustrator, select all paths, then Shift‑drag to scale to fit your artboard without pixelation.
Use the exported SVG/AI logo in mockups, print layouts, or product designs.
