How to Convert Raster Image to Vector (New Method) - Photoshop Tutorial
TLDRIn this tutorial, viewers learn a new method to convert raster images into vector format using Photoshop. Starting with creating a new document and importing the raster image, the process involves making selections, applying filters like Oil Paint and Poster Edges, and using Surface Blur to smoothen the image. Adjustment layers, such as Levels and Hue & Saturation, are added to control color density. An optional step includes painting over the image with black or white to adjust color intensity. The image is then vectorized by merging layers, using Color Range to select colors, and converting selections to paths and shapes. An action is provided for automating the vectorization process. The final vector image can be scaled without quality loss and exported to vector software like Illustrator in EPS format.
Takeaways
- 🎨 Start by creating a new Photoshop document with a width between 2000 to 3000px, any height, 300 resolution, and RGB color mode.
- 📌 Import your raster image using File > Place Embedded and resize it to your preference.
- 🖼 Use a selection tool to isolate the part of the image you want to convert to vector, or use the 'Select Subject' feature for automatic selection.
- 🎭 Apply the Oil Paint filter to add a soft painting effect, adjusting the settings as needed.
- 🖌️ Open the Filter Gallery and apply the Poster Edges filter to create thick outlines for features like hair and beard.
- 🔍 Use Surface Blur to smooth the skin and remove small details while preserving the main features.
- 📈 Duplicate the Oil Paint filter and apply the Unsharp Mask filter to enhance sharpness and details.
- 👌 Add adjustment layers like Levels and Hue/Saturation to control the color and density of the final image.
- 🎉 Utilize Posterize to control the number of colors in the final vector output.
- 🎭 For advanced color control, create a new layer with Overlay blending mode and paint with black or white to adjust color tones.
- 🔄 Save your work as a PSD file, merge all layers, and use the Color Range tool to select and vectorize each color individually.
- ⏩ Use a Photoshop action to automate the vectorization process for efficiency.
Q & A
What is the recommended resolution for creating a new document in Photoshop for this tutorial?
-The recommended resolution is 300 dpi (dots per inch).
How does the 'Select Subject' button in Photoshop help in the process?
-The 'Select Subject' button automates the selection process, allowing Photoshop to make the selection for you, which can be especially useful for isolating specific parts of an image.
What is the purpose of applying the Oil Paint filter in this method?
-The Oil Paint filter adds a soft painting effect to the image, which is a step towards converting the raster image into a vector-like appearance.
How does the Poster Edges filter contribute to the vectorization process?
-The Poster Edges filter adds thick lines to the image outlines, such as hair, beard, and shirt, which helps in defining the edges more distinctly for vector conversion.
What is the role of the Surface Blur filter in the process?
-The Surface Blur filter is used to smoothen the skin and remove small details while preserving the more obvious features, which is important for a cleaner vector conversion.
How does duplicating the Oil Paint filter above the Surface Blur filter affect the image?
-Duplicating the Oil Paint filter enhances the soft painting effect and ensures that the filter's application remains non-destructive, as it is applied on a smart object.
What is the purpose of the Unsharp Mask filter in the final effect?
-The Unsharp Mask filter increases the sharpness and boosts the details of the image, contributing to a more defined and clear vector output.
How does the adjustment of the Levels layer in the Posterize adjustment layer control the final output colors?
-By moving the sliders in the Levels layer, you can control the density of each color in the image. Additionally, setting the Levels layer to a specific value in the Posterize adjustment layer determines the number of colors in the final vector output.
What blending mode is suggested for the new layer created for advanced color control?
-The Overlay blending mode is suggested for the new layer, which allows for non-destructive color adjustments.
How does creating a clipping mask help in the process?
-A clipping mask ensures that any painting or editing done on the new layer is limited to the boundaries of the object layer below, preventing stray marks outside the desired area.
What file format is recommended for exporting the final vector result to Illustrator?
-The EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) file format is recommended, with the 'Include Vector Data' option checked to maintain the vector information.
How can users change the color of a specific layer in the final vector result?
-Users can double-click on any layer's thumbnail to open a color selection dialog and choose a new color for that layer.
Outlines
🎨 Converting Raster to Vector in Photoshop
This paragraph introduces the process of converting a raster image into a vector format using Adobe Photoshop. The steps include creating a new document with specific dimensions and resolution, importing the raster image, and using selection tools to isolate parts of the image. It then details the application of filters like Oil Paint and Poster Edges to add artistic effects, followed by Surface Blur to smoothen the image. Adjustment layers such as Levels and Hue/Saturation are added to control color density. The process concludes with tips on advanced color control using overlay blending mode and a method to vectorize the image using the Color Range tool and actions for automation.
🖼️ Vectorizing the Image and Exporting
The second paragraph explains how to save the Photoshop project for future edits and proceed with merging layers for a seamless workflow. It demonstrates using the Color Range tool to select specific colors and convert these selections into work paths, which are then transformed into vector shapes. The paragraph also covers the use of direct selection tools to manipulate anchor points and the repetition of steps for different colors in the image. To facilitate the vectorization process, a free Photoshop action is mentioned, which automates the color selection and conversion to vector shapes. The final step involves exporting the vectorized image to a format compatible with vector software like Illustrator, ensuring scalability without quality loss.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Raster Image
💡Vector Image
💡Photoshop
💡Selection Tool
💡Smart Object
💡Filter Gallery
💡Unsharp Mask
💡Adjustment Layers
💡Posterize
💡Clipping Mask
💡Actions Panel
Highlights
Create a new Photoshop document with a width between 2000 to 3000px, any height, 300 resolution, and RGB color mode.
Import your raster image using File > Place Embedded and resize it as needed.
Use the 'Select Subject' feature for automatic selection or manually make a selection around the desired area.
Isolate the selected object by applying a layer mask.
Convert the layer to a smart object and delete the background layer.
Apply the Oil Paint filter with specific settings for a soft painting effect.
Access the Filter Gallery and apply the Poster Edges filter to create thick lines in the image outlines.
Use Surface Blur to smooth the skin and remove small details, preserving the obvious ones.
Duplicate the Oil Paint filter above the Surface Blur for additional effects.
Sharpen the image details using the Unsharp Mask filter with specific settings.
Add adjustment layers like Levels and Hue/Saturation for color control.
Posterize layer allows control over the final output's number of colors.
Adjust color density using the Levels layer sliders.
For advanced color control, paint over a new layer with Overlay blending mode and a low brush flow.
Create a clipping mask to limit drawing to the object layer below.
Save the project as a PSD file for future use.
Merge all layers and use the Color Range tool to select specific colors for vectorization.
Convert selections to work paths and then to shape layers to create vectors.
Use the Direct Selection tool to adjust anchor points of the vector layer.
Vectorize multiple colors by repeating the process for each color in the image.
A free Photoshop action is available to automate the vectorization process.
Export the final vector result to Illustrator by saving as an EPS file with vector data included.
Change colors of vector layers by double-clicking the layer thumbnail.