I am researching vector based graphics and I know people use Illustrator for these, but if you are drawing in Photoshop, does it also produce vector based graphics? Would you still save it as a .psd? Then export as a SVG or EPS?
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My comment is off-topic for super user (since it's a product suggestion), but if you need a free alternative to Illustrator, you could look into the opensource Inkscape.– nerdwallerCommented May 1, 2013 at 18:14
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Thanks. I will look at it. I have Illustrator but look for good open sourced alternatives to support.– JasmineCommented May 1, 2013 at 18:48
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3@nerdwaller Product recommendations in answers are usually no problem. More about that here.– Daniel Beck ♦Commented Jun 30, 2013 at 19:56
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@DanielBeck - Thanks! I didn't see that in my quick search of Meta - great reference, again thanks!– nerdwallerCommented Jun 30, 2013 at 20:25
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4 Answers
Yes, but you should use smart objects. It has specific usages, mostly when you are working with a mixed Raster-Vector-Font objects. Usually, when you import objects from vector creation software, they are first converted to raster. But, as Adobe says Photoshop supports Smart Objects that "preserve image’s source content with all its original characteristics".
For example when you want to create a website using Photoshop, if you design everything in Raster, then you can't easily scale things and create a responsive web site.
But, using smart objects, you can use vector objects like UI elements and icons in Photoshop. When exporting to output formats like PDF, etc., these vector elements will be exported as vector objects, along with the raster images and pictures.
Read more here about smart objects here:
Genius Ways To Use Photoshop Smart Objects
At last, for selecting appropriate software, you should know exactly what you want to achieve. I can't see this in your question.
Photoshop is primarily intended for bitmap graphics not vector graphics.
In general, it is far easier to produce bitmaps from vectors than vice versa. Therefore, if you need vector graphics it is best to start the creative process using a vector graphics package.
answered May 1, 2013 at 17:52
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1and isn't it that using Vector based graphics it becomes easier to deal with different screen resolutions layout wise? Where as bitmaps need to be resized for each resolution?– JasmineCommented May 1, 2013 at 18:07
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Small correction, the term of art is Raster Graphics, not Bitmap Graphics. Using the correct term makes it easier for people to find out more information on their own. Commented May 2, 2014 at 5:23
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@Scott. Interesting. The usual English dictionaries associate "raster" with old-fashioned/obsolete CRT technology. Raster: Oxford Mirriam-webster; Bitmap: Oxford Mirriam-Webster. Which better references should we be consulting? Commented May 3, 2014 at 10:14
What you export from Photoshop will be bitmap images primarily.
In case you are forced to use Photoshop instead of Illustrator then you can use vector-ish tools in Photoshop, depending on what you are after. Creating a shape, for instance, or a path, will be scalable to any size without loosing quality (inside of Photoshop, before exporting a bitmap).
If you have a shape that you need with higher resolution, then Photoshop can do that for you, but to export .pdf, .eps or other vector file types with the properties of vector graphics then you need something else than PS.
There is a third-party plugin which can export your PSD layers as SVG. You can have a look: Photoshop SVG Exporter Plugin
