How to Convert Raster Image to Vector (New Method) - Photoshop Tutorial

Pixivu
28 Feb 202208:09

TLDRIn this tutorial, viewers learn how to transform a raster image into a vector format using Adobe Photoshop. The process begins with creating a new document and importing the raster image. Selection tools are used to isolate parts of the image, which are then converted into a smart object and masked. A series of filters, including Oil Paint, Poster Edges, and Surface Blur, are applied to enhance the image's outlines and smoothness. Adjustment layers such as Levels and Hue & Saturation are added to control color density. For advanced color control, an overlay blending mode is suggested. The image is then vectorized by merging layers, using the Color Range tool to select colors, and converting selections to paths and shapes. An action is provided to automate the vectorization process. The final vector image can be scaled without quality loss and exported to vector software like Illustrator. The video concludes with instructions on changing layer colors and exporting the final vector image.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 Start by creating a new Photoshop document with a width between 2000 to 3000px, any height, 300 resolution, and RGB color mode.
  • 📌 Use File > Place Embedded to import the raster image and resize it to your preference.
  • 🖌 Select the desired part of the image using any selection tool or the 'Select Subject' feature for automatic selection.
  • 🎭 Isolate the selected object by creating a layer mask and converting the layer to a smart object.
  • 🖉 Apply the Oil Paint filter to add a soft painting effect to the image.
  • 🌈 Open the Filter Gallery and apply the Poster Edges filter to create thick lines for outlines.
  • 🔍 Use Surface Blur to smooth out the skin and remove small details while preserving larger features.
  • 📌 Duplicate the Oil Paint filter above the Surface Blur to enhance the effect.
  • 📈 Apply Unsharp Mask to increase sharpness and detail.
  • 🎛 Add adjustment layers like Levels and Hue/Saturation to control color and contrast.
  • 🎨 Use Posterize to control the final output's number of colors and adjust color density.
  • 🖋 For advanced color control, paint over the effect layer with Overlay blending mode and low brush flow.
  • 🔄 Save the project as a PSD for future use and merge all layers.
  • 🌈 Use the Color Range tool to select and vectorize individual colors in the image.
  • 📄 Convert selections to paths and then to shape layers to fully vectorize the image.
  • 📚 A Photoshop action is available to automate the vectorization process, which can be downloaded from the video description.

Q & A

  • What is the first step in converting a raster image to a vector in Photoshop?

    -The first step is to create a new document in Photoshop with a width between 2000 to 3000px, any desired height, a resolution of 300, and RGB color mode.

  • How does one import an image into the new Photoshop document?

    -You can import your image by going to File > Place Embedded, then resizing the image as needed and pressing ENTER.

  • What is the 'Select Subject' button in Photoshop used for?

    -The 'Select Subject' button is used to automatically make a selection around the main subject of the image, which can be helpful for isolating parts of the image.

  • How do you isolate the selected object in Photoshop after making a selection?

    -After making a selection, you click on the mask icon to isolate the selected object. Then, you convert the layer to a smart object and delete the 'Background' layer.

  • What is the purpose of applying the Oil Paint filter in this process?

    -The Oil Paint filter is applied to add a soft painting effect to the image non-destructively, as it is applied on a smart object.

  • How does the Poster Edges filter affect the image?

    -The Poster Edges filter adds thick lines to the image outlines, such as hair, beard, and shirt, enhancing the vector-like appearance.

  • What is the role of the Surface Blur filter in the conversion process?

    -The Surface Blur filter is used to smooth the skin and remove small details while preserving the more obvious ones.

  • How can the Unsharp Mask filter improve the final effect of the image?

    -The Unsharp Mask filter increases the sharpness and enhances the details of the final effect by adjusting specific values.

  • What is the significance of adjusting the Levels and Posterize adjustment layers?

    -The Levels and Posterize adjustment layers allow control over the final output's color density and the number of colors in the vector image, respectively.

  • How can one gain more control over the colors in the vectorized image?

    -For advanced color control, create a new layer above the effect layer with an overlay blending mode and use a brush tool with a low flow rate to paint over the layer, darkening or lightening the colors as desired.

  • What is the process of vectorizing the raster image result in Photoshop?

    -The process involves saving the project as a PSD file, merging all layers, using the Color Range tool to select and isolate colors, converting selections to paths, and then to shape layers. This is repeated for each color in the image.

  • How can the provided Photoshop action assist in converting raster images to vector?

    -The action automates the process by sequentially selecting colors, converting them to paths, and creating shape layers. It speeds up the vectorization process and avoids repeating colors.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Converting Raster to Vector in Photoshop

This paragraph explains the process of converting a raster image into a vector format using Adobe Photoshop. It begins with creating a new document with specific dimensions and color mode. The user is then guided to import their image and resize it. Using selection tools, the user isolates parts of the image and applies a mask to separate the object. The layer is converted into a smart object and filters are applied sequentially, including Oil Paint for a soft painting effect, Poster Edges for outlining, and Surface Blur to smoothen the skin while preserving details. The Unsharp Mask filter is used to enhance sharpness. Adjustment layers like Levels and Hue/Saturation are added, with the latter set to -100 for desaturation. Posterize is used to control the number of colors in the final output. An optional step involves creating a new layer with an overlay blend mode for advanced color control. The process concludes with a tip on vectorizing the result for use in software like Illustrator.

05:05

🖼️ Vectorizing the Image with Photoshop Actions

The second paragraph details the steps to vectorize the previously edited image in Photoshop. It starts with saving the project as a PSD file. The user is instructed to merge all layers and use the Color Range tool to select specific colors based on tolerance levels. The selected colors are then converted to a work path and finally into a shape or vector layer. The paragraph recaps the process of vectorization for a single color and mentions the need to repeat for all colors in the image. To streamline this process, a free Photoshop action is introduced, which automates the color selection and conversion to vector. The user is guided on how to import and run this action, and the final vector image can be scaled without quality loss or exported to vector software like Illustrator. The paragraph concludes with instructions on how to change layer colors and a thank you note for watching.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Raster Image

A raster image, also known as a bitmap, is a digital image made up of individual pixels arranged in a grid. Each pixel contains color information that defines the image. In the context of the video, the user starts with a raster image and aims to convert it into a vector format using Photoshop.

💡Vector Image

A vector image is an image created with mathematical formulas that define geometric shapes and their colors. Unlike raster images, vector images can be scaled to any size without losing quality. In the video, the final goal is to convert a raster image into a vector image for better scalability and editing capabilities.

💡Photoshop

Photoshop is a widely used software for image editing, manipulation, and creation. It is developed by Adobe Inc. and is considered one of the industry standards for raster graphics editing. The video tutorial demonstrates how to use Photoshop to convert a raster image into a vector image.

💡Selection Tool

In Photoshop, the selection tool is used to select and isolate parts of an image for editing. The video mentions using this tool to select the part of the image that the user wants to convert into a vector. The 'Select Subject' feature is also highlighted for automatic selection.

💡Smart Object

A smart object in Photoshop is a layer that retains its source content with all its original characteristics, enabling non-destructive editing. The video script describes converting a layer into a smart object to apply filters non-destructively, which is crucial for the vector conversion process.

💡Filter

In Photoshop, filters are used to apply various effects to an image. The video outlines the use of several filters, such as Oil Paint, Poster Edges, and Surface Blur, to create a stylized raster image that will be easier to convert into a vector format.

💡Unsharp Mask Filter

The Unsharp Mask filter in Photoshop is used to sharpen images and enhance the details. In the script, it is applied to increase the sharpness of the image before converting it into a vector, ensuring that the final vector image has clear and distinct details.

💡Adjustment Layers

Adjustment layers in Photoshop allow users to modify the image non-destructively by adjusting various aspects like levels, hue, and saturation. The video demonstrates using Levels, Hue/Saturation, and Posterize adjustment layers to refine the image before vectorization.

💡Clipping Mask

A clipping mask in Photoshop is used to restrict the visibility of the layers above it to the shape of the layer below. In the context of the video, a clipping mask is created to ensure that any additional color adjustments are limited to the object layer below.

💡Color Range

The Color Range tool in Photoshop is used to make selections based on a specific color or range of colors in an image. The video uses this tool to select and isolate individual colors in the raster image, which are then converted into vector shapes.

💡Action

In Photoshop, an action is a set of recorded commands that can be played back to automate repetitive tasks. The video script mentions using a custom action to streamline the process of converting multiple colors of the raster image into vector shapes.

Highlights

Learn how to convert a raster image into a vector using Photoshop.

Create a new document with a width between 2000 to 3000px, 300 resolution, and RGB color mode.

Use File > Place Embedded to import your image and resize it to your preference.

Select the 'Select Subject' button for Photoshop to automatically make the selection for you.

Isolate the selected object by clicking the mask icon and converting the layer to a smart object.

Apply the Oil Paint filter with specific settings to add a soft painting effect.

Open the Filter Gallery and apply the Poster Edges filter to add thick lines to image outlines.

Use Surface Blur to smooth the skin and remove small details while preserving the obvious ones.

Duplicate the Oil Paint filter above the Surface Blur filter for enhanced effects.

Apply the Unsharp Mask filter to increase sharpness and boost details.

Add adjustment layers like Levels and Hue & Saturation to control color and density.

Posterize layer allows control over the final output number of colors.

Create a new layer with overlay blending mode for advanced color control.

Save the project as a PSD file for future use and merge all layers.

Use the Color Range tool to make a selection based on a specific color and create a work path.

Convert the path to a shape layer to vectorize a single color of the image.

Repeat the steps for each color in the image to fully vectorize it.

A free Photoshop action is available to automate the vectorization process.

Export the final vector result to Illustrator by saving it as an EPS file format with vector data included.

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