How to make a vector image in Photoshop is often asked. As you know, Photoshop is a program for processing raster graphics and is not intended for working with a vector. Special graphic editors work with vector graphics. But if you really need it, but there is no time to study a new program, then with the help of some manipulations you can convert the picture into a vector.

What is a raster and vector image and how do they differ

A raster image is also a grid of pixels (dots). To all of us, the familiar digital photo is just a bitmap image. A vector image does not consist of pixels, but of geometric primitives: straight lines, rectangles, and other shapes.

If you reduce and then significantly increase a bitmap, its quality will be irrevocably spoiled. Since each pixel is a dot of a certain color, and all together these dots make up a picture. When the image is reduced, extra pixels are discarded, so it cannot be restored to its original appearance.

Scaling a vector image allows you to resize without losing quality. This is possible due to mathematical recalculations of the dimensions of the geometric shapes that make up the image.

A raster image allows you to reliably convey visual information, a vector image does not have such an advantage. Vector graphics images can be useful for rendering logos and outline drawings. You will not get photographic beauty from them. Or it will be very complex images, consisting of a huge number of primitives that actually replace pixels.

A simple example of how to convert a raster to a vector

So, the vector consists of geometric shapes. Photoshop has tools for creating paths. The contour is a geometric figure. To make a vector image in Photoshop, you need to create an outline of the image. The tools of the group will help us with this. Select: Rectangular Marquee Tool, Elliptical Select Tool,** Magic Wand Tool , **Quick Selection Tool and "Pen" / Pen tool.

In order for the vector to turn out to be neat, it is worth choosing a bitmap image of the highest quality possible, otherwise the contours will need to be drawn manually.

Open the bitmap image in Photoshop (the most common bitmap format is JPG). Logos, contour drawings, sketches are very easy to process. To get a vector sketch of a portrait, you can first convert the portrait to a sketch using "Filter Galleries", or use ready-made pop art. How to work with "Filter Gallery" and quickly create pop art from photos, we talked about in previous articles. For this example, we will take a ready-made pop art portrait. We deliberately prepared it from a photo of not the best resolution. Therefore, the vector version will show us a noticeable difference.

To work with contours, you need to call the tab "Contours" / Path to the layers palette. To do this, go to the menu "Window" / Window and check the box "Contours" / Path. The bookmark will appear on the layers palette.

The image has 4 colors (the background is not counted). We take the tool "Magic Wand"/Magic Wand Tool and select the first color. To select all areas scattered by islands across the image, hold Shift.

With the first color selected, select the tool "Lasso" / Lasso or Rectangular Marquee Tool and, without removing the selection, click the right mouse button. In the context menu, select Make Work Path.

In the dialog box, specify the maximum smoothing "Tolerance" / Tolerance(from 1 to 10; the lower the number, the better the contours will repeat). We press Ok.

Bookmark "Circuit" the first loop will appear. On the image, it will be noticeable in the form of curves with dots. They can be aligned and adjusted with a tool Node Selection/Direct Selection Tool. With this tool, select a point and either adjust the curve by moving the antenna of the point, or move the arc itself.

Bookmark "Circuit" change the name of the circuit. To do this, double-click on it and change the name in the dialog box.

We do all the described steps with the rest of the colors. As a result, we get four contours for each color.

Having received the contours, it remains to create a vector. Go to bookmark "Layers" / Layer on the layers palette, create a new layer Shift+Ctrl+N. We set the main color to the one in which we will color the first contour.

Back to bookmark "Circuit", we become on the first contour. In the main menu under "Layers" / Layers choose "New Fill Color" / New Fill Layer - "Color"/Solid Color. In the window that opens, click Ok.

Now going to the bookmark "Layers" / Layers, you will see the first vector layer on the new layer.

In the next dialog box, as usual, specify the file name and path.

That's all. The method is quite simple.

If you often have to work with vector images, perhaps this article will inspire you to learn new graphic editors. In any case, you have learned another useful method. We wish you great work.

Learn more about Photoshop in courses.

1. Picture. Below is a picture of a minicar that will need to be worked on to give it a vector look. Image quality in this case is not so important, as long as there are details for tracing.

2. Process. To get started - right-click the mouse and do one of two things: a) Copy [Copy]. Then in Photoshop "Edit - Paste [Editing - Paste]. In this method, Photoshop leaves the locked background layer and pastes the image on a new layer Layer 1 above the background. Double-click on the word Layer 1 to select the text and name the layer more appropriately. For example, "theimage".

b) Save Picture As [Save picture as] on the screw. Then in Photoshop File - Open [File - Open] and find where you saved the picture. Maybe on the desktop?.. Note that in the layers palette, the image icon indicates that the image is "indexed" [in short, it's a gif]. Note also that it is blocked. To fix this, just go to Image - Mode - RGB color [Image - Model - RGB] and thereby transfer the blocked layer to the background layer. Double clicking on the background layer will change it to an editable layer. [Rename Layer 0 to be friendlier... For example, "theimage".]

Now let's create a duplicate of the image layer. If you're using Photoshop 7 or CS, create a new layer set to keep all the individual objects. Just click on the folder icon at the bottom of the layers palette, double click on Set 1 and name it like mine.

3. A powerful pen tool. Let's start by creating a stroke around the perimeter of the entire car. Set the foreground color with the eyedropper, taking the color from the darkest part of the image. In this case, very close to black. Now select the pen tool from the toolbar. Make sure the Shape Layers option is enabled [at the top in the options bar], I've circled it in orange.

Now just add anchor points where you think you need to edit the path.
Hint: Ctrl + [Plus on the number pad on the right side of the keyboard] to zoom in. Accordingly, Ctrl is the reverse action. I recommend using these functions to further refine the image.

4. Connecting anchor points. After creating a path around the car, connect to the first anchor point to create a solid shape. Now hide the theimage copy layer to see the result [Like I did in the image below.] Now let's start manipulating the anchor points to give a more slender shape to our car.

Here's what the layers palette looks like now with the new Vector Shape layer highlighted in blue. Also, if you click on the Paths tab of the Layers Palette, you will see a "path" version of this layer.

5. Converting anchor points. Select the Convert Anchor Points tool and manipulate the areas that need to be transformed to give a clear border to the car.

Make sure the Shape 2 layer is selected.
I started converting points from the wheel. Click on the anchor point and move it in the direction of the black arrow [see fig. fig.] until the path began to follow the contours of the wheel.

Tip: The convert tool creates 2 bezier points to adjust the curvature.

Manipulate with bezier curves to get the contours as close as possible.

Tip: After converting a few anchor points [or anchor points] you will realize that some of the original points are not needed at all. In fact, the fewer anchor points, the smoother the selection will be. Therefore, use the anchor point removal tool.

Here's what happened to me. We will use this shape as a base.

Next, I made a copy of the Shape 2 layer and manipulated the points to draw the dominant color [blue, in this case] of the car. Click on the thumbnail of this layer, take the eyedropper tool and change the color from black to blue #3672BD.

Here's what the car looks like now.

Now let's work on the windows.
Turn on the image copy [black] layer again and hide the Shape 2 copy [blue] layer.
Grab the Pen Tool and in the Options Bar, turn on Subtract from area shape [I've circled it in orange].

Hide the Shape 2 copy layer. Select the Shape 2 layer. Let's start by tracing the windows on the opposite side of the car.

Turn off the visibility of the image copy layer, look at the result.
Subtracting from the black shape created the illusion of transparency.

To apply this effect to the other two windows without adding a new layer, just hold Ctrl+Alt, click and drag this subtractive copy path. [Do this twice.] Now put the duplicates in their places. Use the Convert Anchor Point Tool again for smooth corners and precise shaping.

Apply the same technique on the Shape 2 copy layer to get an image like mine.

Now that we have the basic vector shape of the car, all that's left is to add some new shapes, lines and some textures. We will fill the windows later!

Now, using the Ellipse Tool in the Toolbar, draw the center of the rear wheel, then, while holding Shift, do the same for the front wheel.
For precise positioning, Ctrl+click on the new ellipse, then right-click on the simple ellipse and choose Free Transform Path. Right click again and select Distort. I also started working on the headlights [on a new layer] using the same technique: Ellipse - Free Transform - Distort - Set to Position.

Since new layers have been added, they may have accumulated, it's reasonable to name them correctly. [I thought it was possible to use as few layers as possible, but...]

Next I added a bumper. Again, using the pen tool for tracing, convert anchor points tool to smooth corners and accurately shaping relative to the original. [All this is a long established and accepted tracing practice, honestly!]

Then I applied a layer style to the bumper to give it a chrome effect. Right click on the bumper layer and apply the following settings.

Create a new layer and name it Lines. This layer should be above all. So, on the toolbar, the pen tool is selected, on the options panel, the settings correspond to the specified ones, we start adding anchor points in the direction of the white arrow.

Now set the active color to black [or just press D], press the B key to select the brush tool, now in the options bar set the Brush Preset Picker and select a small, soft-edged brush of about 3. But change the diameter to 2px [try even 1], since even 3 can be many.

To reselect the pen, press P, activate the Lines layer, right click and select the Stroke Path option.

You will be prompted to select a tool with which to create a new stroke. Select Brush from the drop down menu and click OK.

I changed the opacity of the Lines layer to 54% to soften it up.

Next, I continued in the same vein, using the same technique to add other lines.
Added a mirror, wipers and an emblem on the hood.
Tip: For areas that are too small to handle with the pen tool, use the polygonal lasso. Just click and add anchor points like you would with a pen, and when you're done, right click on the selection and choose either the "Create Work Path" or "Fill" option.

For structures such as highlights, use the polygonal lasso [L] to trace around such areas, right click and Fill with soft blue [I used #86A9D7].

All that's left to do now is add the details. The detail is up to you. Below is the result of my work after adding details to the headlights, wheels and te de.
I hope you enjoyed the lesson.

Vector drawings are increasingly used in various printing tools to create beautiful drawings from wood, plastic, metal, paper and other materials. Today, we will figure out how to make a vector drawing with your own hands using Photoshop. Having spent quite a bit of time, we will get a high-quality vector drawing, and we will be able to use it in the future without any problems.

How to convert a drawing to vector?

First of all, it should be noted that only drawings that are depicted on a white background can be converted to vector format. If the background is not white, then first you need to remove all unnecessary and clear the background.

1. Using the selection tools, select just the element that we want to turn into a vector drawing, and copy it onto a new layer called "shape". Then we create another layer and completely fill it with white, this layer can be called "background". Now, move the "background" layer under the "shape" layer and merge them. The resulting image is called "Base". Copy the "Base" layer twice and name them "Base_1" and "Base_2". Turn off their visibility.

2. Let's start our operations on converting the picture into vector format. First of all, apply for the "Base" layer, the "Isohelium" correction, in order to get the picture in black and white format. The first correction does not always result in the image we need, so we can make several copies of the layers and make corrections with different values ​​until we get what we need.

So we got the most normal effect.

3. Next, we apply a Diffusion filter to the resulting image to remove the jagged edges. The path to enable the filter: “Filter – Stylization – Diffusion” (Filter-Stylize-Difuse). In the window that opens, select "Anisotropic".

4. The next step is to smooth the edges so that they become sharper, for this we press “Image – Correction – Levels” (Image-Adjustment-Levels). In the open window, move the left and right sliders closer to the center. In order to see the result of the correction, it is best to enlarge the drawing up to 300% before opening the levels.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 in the same order.

6. Turn off the visibility of our main layer and turn on the "Base_1" layer. Perform the action "Image - Correction - Isohelia" (Image-Adjustment-Threshold). The parameter is set at level 138.

7. We perform the operations indicated in paragraphs 3.4 and 5 with this layer.

8. Create a new layer and fill it with black. We call it "background". Set it below the "Base" layer. In the "Base_1" layer, change the mode to "Difference" (Difference).

Here's what we get:

9. The result is a little scary picture, but we'll fix it now. Make the Base layer active and add a layer mask. After that, with the help of an eraser, we can remove unnecessary areas on the face and body of the girl.

10. So we got the drawing, now it needs to be converted to vector. Use the "Magic Wand", select the entire black area of ​​the picture, and right-click on the image, in the menu that opens, select "Generate Work Path". Set the value to 1.0.

Many novice design lovers are sure to face this problem, because at some points a vector image is needed. This article details how to make a vector image.

What is the conversion from a raster object to a contour object used for?

One example of this is a fill that has a vector mask applied to it. The group of vector primitives is a group of tools for creating a mask without payment and in automatic mode. In this example, it turns out that the outline of the image will be vector, while the fill will be raster.

However, you need to understand that "Photoshop" does not work in full force with the vector, using the positive sides where possible. During intensive work with graphics, specialists have various tasks, in solving which it is more convenient to immediately convert the selection into a path, rather than using an illustrator for this task. It is for similar tasks in Photoshop that there is a function that allows you to convert raster objects to vector objects, because not all specialists prefer to use an illustrator.

How to convert a raster image into a vector image?

To do this, in Photoshop, you need to follow a certain procedure. First you need to select an object using the Select toolbox. The program converts any selected and selected object into a contour.

If the described methods of working with are difficult for you, then it is better to get acquainted with the program interfaces first, because this is the basis, without knowing which, you cannot move forward.

An example is the process of depicting a person from a picture. You can take an original picture and use a tablet and a hard-edged brush to outline the object. After that, you can modify it, for example, replace the face. After this image is converted to vector, it will be possible to scale it without losing image quality.

Pictures for tracing

For a visual example, a light image is taken - a butterfly. When translating, it is necessary to take into account that the larger the picture, the better the vector image will be. This rule works in Photoshop, similarly in Illustrator. Large images are those that are larger than 1000 pixels.

Selecting an object

The process of selecting an object should begin with the choice of tools. You need to apply the most common Magic Wand Tool from the Tool set, then right-click once in the white part of the workspace. As a result of these manipulations, you will make a workspace.

Then you need to select the butterfly using the Select - Select Inverse set. In this procedure, inversion occurs in order to select the image. However, it is worth noting that this or another option does not affect the final result, the main thing is that the necessary object is selected.

In the photo above you can see the so-called vector patterns. Such a picture is called a fractal - this is an object that, when enlarged, changes according to certain algorithms. A vector image is just right for a fractal image, you just need to drive in the formula and get the finished result, as shown above. This is called a vector pattern.

Creating a vector path

This is almost the final part of how to make a vector image. It is worth remembering the main thing: there are many programs for creating such images, a specialist needs to choose one (maximum two), otherwise your efforts in studying all at once will be in vain.

Once you have selected an area, convert it to a vector path. To do this, you can use selection tools such as the Lasso Tool, Rectangular Marquee Tool, Magic Wand Tool, etc. Then right-click on the selection area, after which a menu will appear in which you should select Make Work Path. Next will be a menu in which the degree of smoothing Tolerance is set. The more anti-aliasing, the fewer vector nodes and the less exact repetition of the raster outline.

After all of the above in Path, a work path should form. If there is no such palette, you can find it using the Windows window and select Path in it. Then you need to double-click on the Work Path and save it elsewhere. Paths in this area act similar to layers in the Layers palette. A highlighted outline means that it is activated and can be used.

Then select the path using the Path Selection Tool or the Path palette. You must press the Layer button, then in the tab that opens, select New Fill Layer, and already in it Solid Color. In this way, you will create a fill layer, which is immediately assigned a vector mask in the form of your path.

End of work

To refine the image, you can use the Pen Tool - to select the fill layer mask. Then - set up the Pen Tool, namely, set Subtract. With this, you can draw additional elements and patterns on the image.

This is how easy it is to make a vector image. This skill will definitely help novice designers.

Tools for working with vector in Photoshop appeared a long time ago, but they began to be used in work relatively recently. This is due to the fact that for a very long time they were “raw” and because. The vector in Photoshop is not a specialized tool for work, and it has not been finalized. But everything changed with the release of Photoshop CC.

Why you need a vector in Photoshop

First I want to tell you why I use vector in Photoshop. There are many proven vector editors. The most common are Illustrator, CorelDraw, Xara. Most often I am engaged in web design, which means that my work is not the final result. Those. before becoming a website, interface, application, the layout will get to the layout designer. Most layout designers are fluent in Photoshop, but very superficially familiar with Illustrator. Therefore, the desire to “shove” everything into one file is quite logical. It's great when a layout designer receives one PSD which contains a complete layout, and even with the ability to edit elements. Change the button color, change the radius of the menu form, increase or decrease the block without losing quality - in 2 clicks and 1 minute! Vector in Photoshop allows you to do this without any special skills.

Features of working with a vector in Photoshop

If you have worked in any vector editor before, then a lot of things will seem familiar. But it takes a lot to get used to. All work in Photoshop is built with layers, this also applies to all vector tools.
1. To easily edit a vector in Photoshop, you need to place each shape on a separate layer.
2. Operations of “merge”, “subtraction”, “superimposition” are best applied to no more than two objects.
3. After the “merge”, “subtraction”, “overlay” operations, the contours of the original objects remain available for editing.
4. Raster styles can be easily applied to all vector objects. It is very comfortable.
5. You can apply transparency to vector objects and apply filters to them.
6. Individual layers and layer groups with vector objects can be easily cloned inside a document or copied to another PSD document.
7. Label each layer and group layers - this will save a lot of time.

Basic Primitives

As in any vector editor, the vector in Photoshop has ready-made primitives. Basic primitives:
“Rectangle”, “Rounded Rectangle”, “Ellipse”, “Polygon”, “Line”, “Custom Shape”. For each shape (at any time) you can set the thickness / type / color of the stroke and fill. Additional properties are available for specific primitives. For example, for a polygon, you can set the number of corners, and for a rectangle with rounded corners, you can set the rounding radius.

Basic tools

To draw an arbitrary vector or edit an existing one (including the contour of primitives), you must use the tools “Pen” (draw an arbitrary contour), “Pen +” (add new anchor points to the finished contour), “Pen-“ (delete anchor points from the finished contour), “Free pen” (draw an arbitrary contour by hand), “Angle” (change the bends of the contour curves, set the types of connections between the anchor points).

To illustrate the process, a short video from which you will learn:
1. How to create a primitive
2. How to draw an arbitrary vector shape
3. How to edit the outline of a primitive
4. How to edit the outline of an arbitrary vector shape

Basic Vector Operations in Photoshop

A total of 4 operations are available: “Merge shapes”, “Subtract front shape”, “Merge shapes in overlay”, “Subtract shapes in overlay”. All these operations are available through the main top menu. Layers > Merge Shapes, or through the “Properties” toolbar (top menu Window > Properties).
Attention! Before starting any operations to merge vector shapes, make sure that the layers of these shapes are selected in the “Layers” toolbar (turn it on F7 or Window > Layers).

A short video illustrating the basic operations of "merging shapes" in Photoshop.

Change color, size and apply styles

Here we come to the most interesting. Vector in Photoshop allows you to resize both up and down without losing quality. To do this, select the desired layers in the "Layers" toolbar, press Ctrl+T (or Command+T if you have a MAC) and dragging the markers of the selected path with the mouse adjust the size. In order for the size to change proportionally, you need to hold down the Shift key.


Short video:
1. Resize a Vector Shape
2. Change the Fill Color of a Vector Shape
3. Add Style to the Vector Shape

Download PSD Example (Free)

To make it easier for you to figure out how to use a vector in Photoshop and see how these tools can be applied in practice, I am posting an Infographic file made by me completely using vector tools.

Ask a Question

If something doesn’t work out for you or if you have any questions, write in the comments and I will help you figure it out. You can also watch videos using vector tools.