How To Rasterize In Photoshop

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In this article, we will be showing you how to rasterize in Photoshop but first what is rasterize? Follow and learn more about rasterizing in Photoshop.

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What is rasterize a layer in Photoshop?

By default, shapes and text are created on a type of layer called a vector layer. No matter how far you zoom in on a vector layer, the edges always remain perfectly sharp. When rasterizing a vector layer, Photoshop converts the layer to pixels.

You may not notice a change at first, but if you zoom in on a newly rasterized layer you will see that the borders are now made up of little squares called pixels.

Vector layers become pixels when rasterized. The Eraser Tool and Paint Bucket Fill are used to enhance a grid shape.

Photoshop tell me to rasterize a layer?

Certain tools, such as the Brush, Eraser, Paint Bucket Fill, and Filter tools only work on raster layers. To use any of these tools on a vector layer, the layer must first be converted to pixels.

Note that when you convert a vector layer to pixels, it loses its vector functionality, i.e.: Shapes and text can no longer be scaled to any size without loss of quality. The text is uneditable, meaning you can’t change the words or font.

The Layers panel then displays the original vector polygon and then a new rasterized polygon above it.

Should I rasterize my layer?

At some point in your project, you may need to rasterize a vector layer to use the tool or get the desired edit.

Before rasterizing a vector layer, always duplicate it by choosing Layer -> Duplicate. Then rasterize the copy.

This preserves the original vector layer if you need to go back later to make changes.

The original vector layer is duplicated before rasterization to allow for later changes.

Alternatives to rasterization?

Here are three common alternatives to rasterizing a layer in your project.

Instead of rasterizing to paint or draw directly on a vector layer, create a blank layer above the vector layer and use one of the painting or drawing tools on the new layer.

Click the New Layer icon in the Layers panel and use the brush to paint on the new layer.

Tip: To confine the painting to the edges of the shape, first use the Magic Wand tool to make a selection of the shape, then paint or draw within the selection.

Painting on a new layer with the shape of the previous layer selected is an alternative to rasterizing.

Instead of rasterizing to use the Paint Bucket tool to change the fill color of a shape or text, change the fill directly in the vector tool’s properties.

For shapes, select the vector layer in the Layers panel. Then open the Properties panel (Window > Properties). Change the color with the color picker.

For text, double-click the T icon in the Layers panel to highlight all text. Then open the Character panel (Window > Character). Change the color with the color picker.

The properties of vector layers can be changed as an alternative to rasterizing so that the Paint Bucket tool can be used.

Instead of rasterizing, use a layer mask to use the eraser tool to hide parts of a vector layer.

First, select the vector layer in the Layers panel. Then click the Layer Mask icon to add a layer mask to the vector object.

Now use the brush to paint with black on the layer mask. Painting with black hides these parts of the layer. If you paint with white, these parts of the layer will become visible.

Press “F7” to show the Photoshop Layers panel.
Click a vector layer in the Layers panel.
Click “Layer” in the menu bar and click “Rasterize” to open a new pane of options.
Click “Layer” to rasterize the layer.