Description: Learn how to convert a vector image to a bitmap in Illustrator and leverage the strengths of each image format. Follow these simple steps for a seamless conversion process.
How to Convert a Vector Image to a Bitmap in Illustrator
Bitmap images are made up of a group of pixels . Unlike vector images, they are created through a mathematical formula that allows you to resize their size without losing quality.To go from a vector image to a bitmap, you need a basic understanding of Illustrator and a lot of patience. Although it may be an easy task, it requires time to obtain good results.
Convert a vector image to a bitmap
- Open the Adobe Illustrator application and select the file you want to convert.
- Press the V key to use the Selection tool .
- Select the elements of the image.
- Click on the Objects menu and then choose the Rasterization option .
- A new window opens where you must modify various aspects of the image
- Select the color model between RGB, Bitmap and Grayscale.
- Choose a High, Medium, Screen or custom resolution.
- Choose between a white or transparent background.
- Enable the option if you want to create a clipping mask.
- Press the Ok button to finish.
The rasterize option is available in version CS6. The order of the steps to rasterize the image may vary depending on the Illustrator version you have.
Convert a Bitmap Image to a Vector Image
If instead you want to convert a bitmap image to a vector, the procedure can be a bit more tedious . It can be done from Illustrator and depending on the type of image it may take time.
- Open the .
- Select the image you want to vectorize.
- Click on the Object menu and select the Image Trace / Create option .
- The Image Tracing options are enabled where you must modify until you have the expected result:
- Preset , to determine if you want to trace the image as it is shown, only some colors or the silhouette,
- The dimensions of the image.
- Choose if it will be in grayscale or colors.
- If you are an advanced user, you can even modify the type of path, the vertices, Noise and method.
- To finish, click on the expand button and you will have a vector image.
Now you can expand the vectorized image as much as you want, even to print in large formats and it will not lose quality. Another advantage of having a vector is being able to modify the points of the image to your liking and correct one or another detail.
Convert a photo to vector
Converting a photograph to a vector image can be more complex due to the amount of elements it has. A photo has infinities of colors and multiple lines and shapes. However, you can get a pretty good result when vectoring.
- Open the image you want to convert in Illustrator.
- Click the Object menu
- Select the Image Trace / Create option
- The first preview shows a black silhouette, but to avoid losing image quality, configure the following:
- Select the Image Trace / High Color option .
- Click on advanced and raise the Trace value to 100% .
- Modify the Vertex value to 100% .
- Set the color value to the maximum .
- Change the noise value to 1 px.
- Press the Expand button to vectorize the image.
In theory the image is already a vector, but it is very difficult to edit due to the amount of dots it has. If you want to edit it more easily change the image tracing settings.
Change the image to grayscale and set the gray value to 20. Reduce the plot and vertex value to 17%. The image now looks simpler, but has the essentials to edit and create a new illustration from here.
