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About working with bitmap images


    You can do the following with bitmap images:

    • Place an image into a file. (See Placing files.)
    • Use the Links palette to see information about the image. (See Managing linked and embedded images.)
    • Trace images using the auto trace tool. (See Tracing artwork.)
    • Create bitmap artwork with a transparent background using the Rasterize command. By using the Transparent option in the Rasterize dialog box, you create an alpha channel (as in the Adobe Photoshop application). The transparent background also provides superior anti-aliasing of the rasterized artwork than does using a clipping mask to mask the background.
    • Create a clipping mask in the Rasterize dialog box to make the background appear transparent. (See Working with clipping masks.)
    • Use the Rasterize dialog box to convert vector objects (including paths and text objects) into an image, and choose other options for the image. You can also change the color model for the image by reselecting Rasterize and changing the color. (See Changing vector graphics into bitmap images.)
    • Colorize 1-bit images. (See Colorizing 1-bit images.)
    • Use bitmap filters and filter effects. (See Choosing a filter or filter effect.)
    • Use the Object Mosaic filter to convert the pixels to a collection of colored squares. Then you can use Illustrator tools. (See Using the Object Mosaic filter.)
    • Apply the Photo Crosshatch filter, which gives a photographic image the appearance of a pen drawing. (See Using the Photo Crosshatch filter.)