Vector Q by Imaengine Reviews

by FeelingDissapointed

I haven't updated my app in quite a while. Now I have and I regret it. This was a fantastic app. Now my favorite setting (Saturator) is gone and my second favorite (Ink Drawing) no longer draws in black and white. I now have to take extra steps in other apps to get my preferred results. Other issues: app has gone from no crashes ever for me to crashing consistently; app appears to draw vector objects differently now. There are too many curved paths and points being created compared to the version from, say, 10 months ago. I preferred the more blocky appearance from before. It really drove my creativity! Now I feel like I have to settle for what I can get. It's too bad, really. The Adobe CC version of VectorQ draws much too realistically for me, and it seems the developer is leaning that way. If there was a way to get the old app back I'd definitely do it.

by Spidermanducky

Bring back the old version! I can’t do anything on here with all these updates! This is worse than showing up to the grocery store to find it’s been rearranged! I wish I could restore the old version! I am trying to use VectorQ to convert some images into cut files for my crafty bachelorette party next weekend and it’s impossible! Extremely frustrated and disappointed! I’m sure all of the extra features that were added to VectorQ are nice but the entire look and function of VectorQ has changed and it is not at all user friendly! Please fix this!!

by Madcopygirl

Then it got complicated and now it is basically unusable. I can’t save an image from ANY of the filters (I can take screenshot of it, that’s all). The editor is a hot mess. Many people, me included, can’t figure out how to use it in a productive manner. And then, today, while trying out the video option, I pressed for the camera and then tried to pause it so I could take a screenshot... well, now that’s broken too! It’s all a bright green image and in a matter of seconds a message appears saying that the path limit has been reached. Mind you, I’ve chosen no paths at all. I wasn’t even using the editor feature!

This used to be the best image editing app if you wanted to play around with vectorization or just apply unexpectedly fun filters. It had lots of options and a few of them were for premium users but there was enough for the free user to love. It was also possible to understand what you were actually doing. How the inclusion of an editor became the kiss of death and why it’s impossible to use any filter to save an image are questions best asked directly.

What happened, Mr Developer? How did a perfect and fun photo editing app became unintelligible even for people with some graphic design experience?

by FLAGG90

I am someone that uses your app 3-4 times a week. I used to love it, before the latest update. It was fast, simple, intuitive, and easy to use. Before the update I would've given it five stars.

Now I give it two stars. It's still will modify a photograph in a cool way, with a lot of options. The problem for me is that I used to use 'editor' all the time, to further modify my images.

When you go into the editor now, I find it impossible to do anything? I can't figure out how to change the color of an area, paint onto the image with different size brush strokes, etc., etc. These options must be there, but I cannot find them?

Also, I now keep moving the entire outline of an image by accident. I don't see why you would want to do this, and it basically ruins the image, because you could never put it back in the exact right space, versus the colors.

I realize the program is now able to do more things? But gosh, I wish I had never updated. The simple, fast, easy to use version was perfect for me.

If I can't figure it out, I will be looking for another program, that simply does what this program used to do easily.

If you can offer me any help, that would be awesome! I would love to stick with this program, but I just can't figure it out since the update.

by Skareview

Ok, so many have voiced that the new app is too complicated. It is a full blown editor now. Which is great. Many of the features I liked about the old app are in the new one somewhere. I don’t mind the new app if the old one was still available and maintained. Or if the new app had a way to go to easy mode. I upgraded on my iPad only. The heavy editing features are more appropriate for iPads. For phone it’s too much. I’ll not be upgrading the one on my iPhone for as Long as I can hold out. I love the old app for its ease of use and speed. And for its limitations... The new app should have had a basic and pro mode. Either both apps are amazing in their own ways, it’s just when you have that work flow mindset you don’t want to change!

by Flowcontrol

This is one of the best tracing apps I’ve seen, but the current version adds steps to my workflow because it is not up to date. 1) For import from Creative Cloud, Imaengine only allows Creative Cloud Files, but needs to support Lightroom cloud photos, Adobe Cloud Documents (used by Photoshop on iPad), and maybe CC Libraries. 2) Imaengine does not appear on a Share Sheet, so I could not send a photo directly from Lightroom to Imaengine, I have to export to Photos then import. 3) Imaengine does not support import from/export to iOS Files, only the Photos app, but I now move many images through the Files app without ever adding them to the Photos app. It is clear that Imaengine supported the services available when it was released, but times have changed, and Imaengine has not kept up with the times. Photos is no longer the sole repository of images on iOS since Files is now so great, and Creative Cloud Files is not the primary storage for Adobe photo apps.

by RuBix Clu

Years ago there was an app back in the 90s that converted photos to painting styles. Can’t remember what it was. Finding Imaengine has been great. I love the effects and control options. It can be overwhelming but be patient and start over often. Excellent value. Buy it!
If you work in free mode. You can save with screen capture and cropping. Just play around you’ll figure it out. As with any project make notes to duplicate your favorite methods and modes. This is where most folks fail. At 60+ and with many concussions I learned to write it down. Creating my own world of FAQs sort of like mental breadcrumbs.

by J3n_U

I got VectorQ like 2 years ago and it was my favorite. I used the color hatching filter all the time. A while back they changed a lot of the filters and took out my favorite and added some new ones. The new ones are okay but I wished they would’ve kept the color hatching filter instead of the black and white hatching filter. Please bring it back 😭😭

by Its That End User Again

VectorQ has been not only educational in the way that I am learning about vectorization, but it has given me hours of true artistic freedom. I carefully edit my shots, optimizing them for vector output, then import them into VectorQ . I've made some really nice stuff. VectorQ has always been a bit crashy and slightly buggy, but there is some major rendering going on! Highly recommend VectorQ for digital artistic exploration. I've been using it fir well over a year 👍🏻 thanks devs 🙏🏻😊

by Voidofcourse

I like the direction the dev is taking VectorQ , feature wise. I'll probably even buy the full version soon. Once I accepted that VectorQ just isn't gonna look like the better designed apps out there, I started playing with the features and I'm kind of blown away! I want to get into some textured, offset, color block illustration styles, using unsplash photos as a starting point. Having fun already.

by Stormlight Archive

It’s OK I’ve been working with VectorQ . I still like the old app better but the improvements or great . I’m sorry for the first message but it was a shock to see a massive update to change the complete app into something unrecognizable . So yes a lot of the features are better than the old one . So yes I apologize this is still a great app it’s just if you’re going to change the whole thing forewarn somebody first .

by BUTCH QUEEN NYC

VectorQ has definitely assisted me in production of my art for commercial use. It is a valuable tool that I have been able to learn in a short amount of time especially during this pandemic. I do believe you need a certain skill set to manage the tools. It is great for anyone with an imagination, skill, and patience. I hope this review will help someone who is hands on and driven as it has helped me.

by ChenXi5045

I downloaded VectorQ a few days ago and have only use the vectorization feature of VectorQ, but I’ll love it! You can feed it the worst low-res image and produce incredible renderings. I’ll play around with the vector editor in the coming weeks.

So now a question. I want to buy this for my Mac as well. I have both a MBP and a Mac mini. Do I have to pay twice to run them on both computers?

by Transcendentalaccidentalism

When combined with other vector-based apps, which there are very few of, this one really shines as both a pre and post production tool to bring standard images into the low resolution requirements of the non-rasterized vector-based image world.
There’s also a lot to be said about giving us the ability to exploit and modify the everyday basic images we capture on our cameras in extreme ways. I suggest using this in combination with Pixite’s Assembly and Adobe’s Illustrator (for desktop OSs).

by Crashreport24242424242424

This is the first app I’ve ever felt motivated to review. I’m very familiar with a few different expensive photo editing programs but I’ve never been able to get them what VectorQ does so fast and easily. Being able to turn a picture into a line drawing opens up a lot more opportunities for me. (I’d just fix the rating button inside your app to make it easier for more people to rate it ;-) I had to come to VectorQ Store and search for it first. ). Love it!! Thanks so much!!

by Artgirlcookies

I do love VectorQ. I don’t know how I even found it, but I make vectors from my watercolors and absolutely love the results.
Occasionally, VectorQ just conks out and there’s no retrieving it, so I have to delete it, and then go and reinstall it. Meanwhile, I’ve lost all my prior information/settings.

But when it’s working, I am a very happy camper. Thank you so much for VectorQ. By the way, is this a true vector app? Can I use this for creating images for seamless pattern making if I save it as an SVG file?

by God’s Grace

I am so happy to have found VectorQ.

I’ve been wanting to be able to turn regular photos into different types of images such as poster like images, comic book style, and Andy Warhol like images, grunge style, line art, low poly, rasters, etc and this ONE APP does it all!

As an added plus, I can save my work as a pdf, jpeg, svg, and png and save to my camera roll or share on social media! How cool is that! The image can also be saved as big as 8000px X 8000px. How many apps can boast to say that. The developer says that VectorQ may run slow on older models of iPad. I have an old iPad mini 3 and it works just great.

If you’ve struggled to learn vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator, give VectorQ a try. I don’t mean to sound like a commercial but it’s that good. Now I can work anywhere without the need for my MacBook.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the developer for creating this incredible app. Virtual hugs and kisses to you!😘🤗

by Paddle2thesea

I'm not a professional illustrator, so I don't have--or really need--the sort of high-powered desktop apps that cost hundreds of dollars. I'm a silk-screen hobbyist, and I wanted to find a way to create vector images for printing. This is an intuitive and fun way to play with graphic images on the go. I take my iPad to the library and snap pictures from dictionaries and field guides, manipulate them with imaengine, and take them home for my screen burner. Even the free version allows you to save and share what you make, but you'll want to spend a few bucks to upgrade to Expert.

by Mystee Dawn

I am a Cricut owner, and started using VectorQ, after searching and trying tons of websites and apps, to make SVGs. I was a bit intimidated at first, to attempt it, but even though I’m still in the “learning phase”, I’ve found it to be incredibly simple. I expected so much more complicated than what it actually is. I truly look forward to learning more within VectorQ.

I had to reach out to app support, as I’d accidently deleted one of my presets while dealing with the baby. Almost immediately, he responded with questions and has restored the preset I needed. I couldn’t ask for better support, or anything more within VectorQ . Truly amazing! ... And definitely worth the $2 for the upgrade!

by Qwickening

I first started using VectorQ when it was iemagine, but I could never spell the name. ;-)

It is an amazingly powerful tool, and I have yet to find its equal. (Note: I even have access to full Photoshop and full Illustrator and unless I am missing something, this blows PS’s “image trace” out of the water in terms of flexibility.)

I know the editor and the advanced options can be a bit overwhelming for some, and I count myself initially among the “just use the presets” crowd.

But two things… First, this tool helps you SEE. It really does. I initially started using it to help me simplify shapes for my watercolors. It is amazing tool for that — think “squinting on steriods” or “way better than a red square” for seeing shapes and values.

Second, now that I have spent some time in Illustrator and understand the different selection modes there, I suddenly grokked a bunch of the tools in the editor mode of this tool, and I am so in awe that this tool exists that I had to come write a review. (e.g. Not only can you get the closed objects created for you, but you can tweak them directly from VectorQ.)

I really love VectorQ, and I don’t say that often. It is critical to my brainstorming and creative process.

Thank you for making it.

by AnonymsFan

1. The user interface here is very clearly designed by someone who knows next to nothing about the actual science as well as art of human factors. I don’t think even a single one of Apple’s guidelines were even used here. Absolutely horrible

2. The claim of a rotoscoping feature is completely false. VectorQ enables importing of a still image and vectorizing it but rotoscoping is where each frame of a film is traced by hand thereby enabling the artist to manipulate, replocate, etc. the moving image.

3. The vectorizing algorithm used is different than Adobe’s and Adobe’s is better.

Too bad about VectorQ as it has potential but for we who are professionals in animation and film and in UX, this is a waste of money and time fiddling with. I am furious at myself for paying the especially since Adobe came out last year with its Capture app which vectorizes well but onlh still images.

by Dysamoria

This is my third review update. My old review comments are completely irrelevant now. I added a star for general improvements to VectorQ (I've pretty much ignored it for a year and it has improved since then).

However: As noted by the developer, the new engine is incredibly slow. I don't think the quality of the images is different (or improved), so I'm not sure why this tradeoff was considered to be acceptable.

There are still some rotation bugs (seemingly still associated with landscape mode). When i exited and re-entered the camera mode, i had only one quarter of the camera area visible. Rotating the iPad from landscape to portrait, and then back to landscape, solved it for then.

Overall, this is still a neat app, but it still lacks much control over the resulting vector image. The biggest problem is the slowness, though.

by Galactictraveler333

I love VectorQ!! Soo awesome! The ability to export in so many ways 😍

My only issue is in the color edit mode... when choosing pallet, there are so many colors to choose from to change that it makes it difficult for me to find the color I’m looking for.

Is it possible to be able to click on an object then choose pallet and only see those 2-3 colors to choose from??

by Digital Mirror

VectorQ has seriously added to much to my workflow and art. I seriously use VectorQ more than any other app and I export he pieces I make As PDFs to use as blend layers in my geometry work. The ease of use and quality of vectors is epic. The export options are phenomenal. I don’t really use the editor because I like to use affinity designer for editing the vectors. I am trying to think of a suggestion or a complaint and I don’t have any. Please keep up the good work! VectorQ is free right? I can’t remember, but i would not mind paying to support u guys (as long as it isn’t a subscription like so many other apps are doing these days). Thank u!

by Noisey Wren

VectorQ has been not only educational in the way that I am learning about vectorization, but it has given me hours of true artistic freedom. I carefully edit my shots, optimizing them for vector output, then import them into VectorQ . I've made some really nice stuff. VectorQ has always been a bit crashy and slightly buggy, but there is some major rendering going on! Highly recommend VectorQ for digital artistic exploration. I've been using it fir well over a year 👍🏻 thanks devs 🙏🏻😊

by Billarts123

Thank you very much. Somehow the Save / Load crashing problem I was having on my iPad Air with Rev 6 seems totally corrected from a few days ago. I just now also re-discovered the Edit menu I thought had gone missing with new version 6 - but is there & seems greatly improved as well Very good Version 6.

by Ten Dollars Lighter

I find VectorQ to. Be very high quality and. Very comprehensive. It’s more than a one touch effects app. You can instantly vectorize your work and customize your vector too. Going further it offers layers and brush and other vector editing capability’s. Limitless possibilities, great results, value and its a best kept secret app for artists. They should consult me for beta testing, I use it all the time.