How to Convert a Raster Image into Vector in Photoshop
Raster to Vector in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you will learn a simple and effective technique to convert a raster image into vector in Photoshop. Although there are many different ways to achieve a similar result, with this method you can transform a raster image into a vector one quickly and easily.
But before we begin, and if you want to follow this tutorial exactly as described, please download the following image from Pixabay.
Step 1
Open your image in Photoshop. It does not need to be a Black and White or a Grayscale one, any Color image will work as well.
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Step 2
Go to Filter > Stilyze > Diffuse. In the Diffuse window select the Anisotropic Mode and click OK.
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Step 3
Again, go to Filter > Stilyze > Diffuse. In the Diffuse window select the Anisotropic Mode and click OK.
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Step 4
Go to Layer > Duplicate Layer. Name this layer as “High Pass” and click OK.
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Step 5
With the “High Pass” layer selected go to Filter > Other > High Pass. Set a value of 3 and click OK.
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Step 6
In the Layers Panel set the blending mode of the “High Pass” layer to Vivid Light.
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Step 7
Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Threshold. Name this layer as “Threshold” and click OK.
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Step 8
Adjust the Threshold level according to the image you are using. In this case a value of 138 will work just fine.
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Step 9
Once you are happy with the Threshold result, go to Layer > Merge Visible.
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Step 10
At this point you can remove all the unnecessary details using the Brush Tool (B) with black and white colors.
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Step 11
With the merged layer selected go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Set a value of 0,5 pixels and click OK.
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Step 12
Go to Select > Color Range. Select “Shadows” from the dropdown menu and adjust the Fuzziness and Range to your liking. In this case I will set the Fuzziness to 100% and the Range to 150. When you are happy with the selection click OK.
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Step 13
With the selection active, select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) and right click over the selection. From the dropdown menu select “Make Work Path”.
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Step 14
In the Make Work Path window, set the Tolerance to 1 or 1,5 pixels and click OK.
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Step 15
In the Layers Panel click on the “Create a New Layer” icon.
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Step 16
Go to Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color. Name this layer as “Vector” and click OK.
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Step 17
In the Color Picker window pick any color that you want and click OK.
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Some Final Notes
Now you can scale the vector to any size and easily change your vector color with the Color Picker, make a new background layer to fill with any color or simply turn off the Background layer to have it over a transparent background.
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