Adobe Systems’ Illustrator software allows users to create 3D logos, intricate typography, and detailed documents. Illustrator, a vector-graphics software, layers images, text, patterns, and more to produce visually appealing documents, web pages, or published works. Vector graphics in Illustrator are mathematically generated, whereas raster graphics use dots or pixels. Illustrator also provides the capability to convert vector graphics to raster graphics, which are typically used for printing documents or saving them as bitmap files. This guide will explain how to rasterize using Illustrator.
Steps
Step 1
Open your Adobe Illustrator application.
Step 2
Choose to open an existing document in the dialogue box that appears. Select a document that already contains the vector images you wish to rasterize.
Step 3
Select the object you want to rasterize. If you wish to rasterize multiple objects, hold the “Control” button while clicking on each object you intend to select.
Step 4
Decide whether you want to permanently rasterize the object or create the appearance of a pixel-based image (called “Raster Effects”). Different methods are used for each option.
Step 5
Click the Object menu in the top horizontal toolbar after selecting your objects.
Step 6
Select “Rasterize.”
Step 7
Choose the rasterization options:
- Select the Color Mode (RGB or CMYK). This may depend on your printer or display preference. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) inks are common in digital art and printing, while RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is typical for files from scanners. If unsure about your printer’s preferred Color Mode, check with them before rasterizing.
- Choose the resolution, which determines pixels per inch. Opt for “Use Document Raster Effects Resolution” to utilize global resolution settings.
- Pick your background. Select white if you want Illustrator to fill the background of the object, or choose “transparent” for no background.
- Deselect the “Anti-Alias” option to maintain sharp object lines rather than blurring them during rasterization.
Step 8
Select “Ok” to complete the permanent rasterization of your vector object.
Method
Illustrator Raster Effects
Step 1: Click the Effects menu in the top horizontal toolbar after selecting your objects.
Step 2: Select “Rasterize” from the Effects options.
Step 3: Choose the Rasterization options as you would for a permanent rasterization.
Step 4: Use the Appearance panel to modify or delete the effect. Locate the raster effect, double-click to make changes, or click the delete button to remove it.
Step 5: Save your changes to record the Illustrator rasterization or raster effect.