Changing vector graphics into bitmap images


    The process of changing a vector graphic to a bitmap image is called rasterization. During rasterization, Illustrator converts the graphic's paths into pixels. The rasterization options you set determine the size and other characteristics of the resulting pixels.

    There are three ways to rasterize vector graphics:

    • The Object > Rasterize command permanently converts a selected vector object to a bitmap object using the specified rasterization settings. You can apply the Rasterize command multiple times to an object, but you cannot modify the rasterization settings that were previously applied.
    • The Effect > Rasterize command changes only the appearance of a vector object without changing the graphic's underlying structure. You can modify the rasterization settings of the bitmap image using the Appearance palette or revert the bitmap image to a vector graphic at any time.
    • The File > Export command and the File > Save for Web commands can export the entire document to a bitmap file format. (See Optimizing images and see Exporting artwork.)

To rasterize a vector object:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • To permanently rasterize a single object, select the object and choose Object > Rasterize.
    • To permanently rasterize multiple objects and merge them into one item, select the objects and choose Object > Rasterize.
    • To use the Rasterize effect to rasterize one or more objects, select the objects, and then choose Effect > Rasterize.

    Tip iconIf you rasterize a vector object with the Rasterize effect, you can use the Appearance palette to modify or remove the effect from your object. (See Modifying and removing appearance attributes.)

  2. Set any of the following rasterization options:
    • Color Model determines the color model that is used during rasterization. You can generate an RGB or CMYK color image (depending on the color mode of your document), a grayscale image, or a 1-bit image (which may be black and white or black and transparent, depending on the background option selected).
    • Resolution determines the number of pixels per inch (ppi) in the rasterized image. Select Use Document Raster Effects Resolution to use global resolution settings. (See Specifying raster effects settings.)
    • Background determines how transparent areas of the vector graphic are converted to pixels. Select White to fill transparent areas with white pixels, or select Transparent to make the background transparent. If you select Transparent, you create an alpha channel (for all images except 1-bit images). The alpha channel is retained if the artwork is exported into Photoshop. (This option anti-aliases better than the Create Clipping Mask option.)
    • Anti-aliasing determines the type of anti-aliasing that is applied during rasterization. Anti-aliasing reduces the appearance of jagged edges in the rasterized image. Select None to apply no anti-aliasing and maintain the hard edges of line art when it is rasterized. Select Art Optimized to apply anti-aliasing that is best suited to artwork without type. Select Type Optimized to apply anti-aliasing that is best suited to type.
    • Create Clipping Mask creates a mask that makes the background of the rasterized image appear transparent. (For information on working with clipping masks, see Using clipping masks to change the shape of objects.)

    Note: You do not need to select this option if you selected Transparent for Background.

    • Add Around Object adds the specified number of pixels around the rasterized image.
  3. Click OK.