CorelDRAW Help | Convert vector graphics to bitmaps

Convert vector graphics to bitmaps

To convert a vector graphic to a bitmap when exporting

Converting a vector graphic or object to a bitmap lets you apply special effects to the object with CorelDRAW. The process of converting a vector graphic to a bitmap is also known as "rasterizing."

When you convert the vector graphic, you can select the color mode of the bitmap. A color mode determines the number and kind of colors that make up the bitmap, so the file size is also affected. For more information about color modes, see Change the color mode of bitmaps.

You can also specify settings for such controls as dithering, anti-aliasing, overprinting black, and background transparency.

When you export a file to a bitmap file format, such as TIFF, JPEG, CPT, or PSD, the same bitmap conversion options are available. For more information about exporting, see Export files.

To convert a vector graphic to a bitmap

1 Select an object.

2 Click Bitmaps

Convert to bitmap.

3 Choose a resolution from the Resolution list box.

4 Choose a color mode from the Color mode list box.

5 Enable any of the following check boxes:

• Dithered — simulates a greater number of colors than those available. This option is available for images that use 256 or fewer colors.

• Always overprint black — overprints black when black is the top color. Enabling this option prevents gaps from appearing between black objects and underlying objects when you print bitmaps.

• Anti-aliasing — smooths the edges of the bitmap

• Transparent background — makes the background of the bitmap transparent

You can change the black threshold for the Always overprint black option. For information about setting the black threshold, see To set the overprint black threshold.

If you export a vector file to a bitmap format, such as GIF, you are prompted to set the bitmap conversion options described in the procedure above before you export the file.

Making the background of a bitmap transparent lets you see images or a background otherwise obscured by the bitmap background.

To convert a vector graphic to a bitmap when exporting

1 Click File

Export.

2 Choose the folder where you want to save the file.

3 Choose a bitmap file format from the File Format list box, and type a filename in the Save As list box.

4 Set the options you want, and click Export.

5 In the Convert to bitmap dialog box, type values in one of the following pairs of boxes:

• Width and Height — let you specify the image dimensions

• Width % and Height % — let you resize the image to a percentage of its original size

6 To specify the resolution, type a value in the Resolution box.

7 Choose a color mode from the Color mode list box.

8 Enable any of the following check boxes:

• Dithered — simulates a greater number of colors than those available. This option is available for images that use 256 or fewer colors.

• Always overprint black — overprints black when black is the top color. Enabling this option when you print bitmaps prevents gaps from appearing between black objects and underlying objects.

9 Enable any of the following:

• Anti-aliasing — smooths the edges of the bitmap

• Maintain layers — preserves layers

• Transparent background — makes the background of the bitmap transparent

You can change the black threshold for the Always overprint black option. For information about setting the black threshold, see To set the overprint black threshold.

Not all options in the Convert to bitmap dialog box are available for all bitmap file formats.

Making the background of a bitmap transparent lets you see images or a background otherwise obscured by the bitmap background.