Overview
Recraft combines raster and vector generation with canvas-based organization, format-specific editing tools, and export routes for visual assets.
Recraft is a browser-based visual workspace for creating and preparing images, illustrations, and vector assets. Generation happens on a canvas rather than in a linear prompt history, so source material, variations, and selected outputs can remain together while a project develops.
The product separates raster and vector work from the beginning. That choice determines the kind of file produced, which editing controls are available, and how the result can move into the next design step.
How the workspace is organized
| Stage | Available route | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Create | Raster or vector generation with style, palette, aspect-ratio, and output controls | New images or native vector artwork placed on the canvas |
| Organize | References, generations, and selected variations can remain in the same project space | A visible working set instead of disconnected prompt sessions |
| Refine | Asset-specific controls for vector shapes, image changes, cleanup, or conversion | A corrected or transformed version of an existing result |
| Present | Mockup tools place selected artwork into a visual context | A presentation view for review or approval |
| Export | Raster formats or vector-oriented handoff, depending on the source asset | A file prepared for delivery or continued work elsewhere |
These stages are connected on the canvas, but they are not interchangeable. A generation setting defines a new output; an editing tool changes an existing asset; a conversion tool changes its format or structure.
Raster and vector are different starting points
Raster generation is suited to photographic detail, texture, lighting, and finished illustrations that will continue as images. Its controls are oriented around the visual result rather than independent geometric shapes.
Native vector generation begins with scalable artwork. Supported vector elements can expose their shapes and fill colors for local adjustments, and the export route includes SVG. This makes it the more appropriate starting point for icons, stickers, graphic marks, and simple illustrations that will need resizing or color correction.
Vectorization is a separate operation: it converts an existing raster image into vector geometry. It should not be treated as identical to generating a vector from the outset, because the source and resulting structure follow a different path.
Editing tools follow the asset
| Asset or need | Relevant control | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Native vector artwork | Shape selection, fill changes, resizing, and SVG export | Structural edits remain available before handoff |
| Existing raster image | Reference-led image changes | The supplied image becomes the basis of a new visual revision |
| Subject on an unwanted background | Background removal | An isolated asset for layout, compositing, or presentation |
| Small raster output | Upscaling | A larger image file without changing the project into a vector |
| Raster logo or simple graphic | Vectorization | A converted vector starting point that may still need inspection |
| Artwork awaiting presentation | Mockups | A contextual preview rather than a new master asset |
The active tool or model may change with the requested operation. Teams that track model providers, asset privacy, or usage terms should verify the selected route before supplying protected material.
A practical project sequence
- Decide whether the deliverable should remain an image or continue as editable vector artwork.
- Set the aspect ratio, style, palette, and number of outputs for the initial direction.
- Keep useful references and variations together on the canvas while narrowing the selection.
- Apply the correction that matches the asset type instead of restarting with another prompt by default.
- Inspect the export format and open the result in its destination application when production structure matters.
This sequence is where Recraft differs from a generator that ends at the preview. The canvas can carry an asset from exploration into correction and presentation, while specialist software can remain the final destination for detailed production work.
Best fit
- Visual projects that need generation, comparison, correction, and export in one workspace.
- Icons, stickers, graphic elements, and simple illustrations requiring a vector route.
- Raster images that need background removal, enlargement, reference-led changes, or presentation.
- Small teams that want to keep source material and variations visible during selection.
Check before choosing it
- Confirm the desired output type before generation; raster and vector routes expose different controls.
- Check whether the intended edit uses a native Recraft model or another model available inside the workspace.
- Review current plan limits, file ownership, upload privacy, and commercial-use rights before client work.
- Inspect exported SVG structure when path quality, layer organization, or downstream automation matters.
- Keep a specialist editor in the workflow for precise paths, typography systems, complex layering, and production preflight.