How to vectorize an image in Photoshop 2023

Vectorizing an image in Photoshop can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially when dealing with complex images that have multiple colors. However, for simple images with one or two colors, the process can be done quickly and efficiently. In this blog post, we will explore the steps to vectorize both simple and complex images in Photoshop.

Quick Vectorization for Simple Images

• Steps to vectorize a simple image

      1. Open the image in Photoshop

      2. Use a selection tool, such as the Magic Wand or Quick Selection tool, to isolate the object you want to vectorize

      3. Click on the Mask icon in the Layers panel to create a layer mask for the selected object

      4. If the Background layer is locked, unlock it by double-clicking on it and confirming the changes

      5. Double-click the layer to open the Layer Style dialog box, where you can make adjustments to the object's appearance if needed

      6. Save the changes by going to File > Save or using the Ctrl+S (Windows) / Command+S (Mac) shortcut

Vectorization Process for Complex Images

  1. Open the image in Photoshop

   2. Use a selection tool, such as the Pen tool or Polygonal Lasso tool, to carefully isolate the object you want to vectorize

   3. Click on the Mask icon in the Layers panel to create a layer mask for the selected object

   4. If the Background layer is locked, unlock it by double-clicking on it and confirming the changes

   5. Double-click the layer to open the Layer Style dialog box, where you can make adjustments to the object's appearance if needed

   6. Save the changes by going to File > Save or using the Ctrl+S (Windows) / Command+S (Mac) shortcut

   7. Apply filters to simplify the image, if necessary, by going to Filter > Filter Gallery and experimenting with different filter effects

   8. To vectorize the image, you need to isolate the colors and convert them into shapes

   9. Use the Eyedropper tool to select 16 colors from the image that you want to convert into shapes

   10. Once you have selected a color, create a new layer and use the Pen tool to create a path that follows the shape of the object with that color

   11. After creating the path, right-click on it and select "Make Selection" to convert it into a selection

   12. Create a solid color layer for each shape by going to Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color and choosing the desired color

   13. Repeat the process for all the remaining 15 colors, creating a new layer and a path for each color, and filling it with a solid color layer

   14. Once all the colors have been converted into shape layers, you can further refine the vectorized image by adjusting the position, size, and appearance of each shape layer

   15. Finally, export the transformed image to Illustrator or any vector software by going to File > Save As, changing the Save as type to EPS, and checking Include Vector Data

   Vectorizing an image in Photoshop can be a complex process, particularly for complex images with multiple colors. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can successfully vectorize both simple and complex images, allowing you to scale and manipulate them without losing any quality. Whether you are a graphic designer, illustrator, or simply someone looking to work with vectors, mastering the art of vectorizing images in Photoshop will undoubtedly enhance your creative abilities and open up new possibilities in your design work.