How To Rasterize Text In Illustrator

The ability to convert vector images into raster graphics, which are frequently used to print documents or save them as bitmap files, is another feature of Adobe Illustrator, among many others. You’ll learn how to rasterize in Illustrator in this article. So, how do you rasterize text in Illustrator?

Thanks to Illustrator’s rasterize feature, this is simple to do. To add text to your document, just open Illustrator, choose the Type Tool, and click Add Text. Select the text, then choose Object > Rasterize. Click OK after selecting your Anti-Aliasing setting.

Read on for additional information as we walk you through everything below.

What Does Rasterize Mean?

In Illustrator, the term “rasterize” refers to the process of taking a vector graphic composed of paths and anchor points and turning it into a raster picture composed of pixels. 

Using the capabilities in Adobe Illustrator, vector drawings may be quickly modified as visual representations of mathematical formulae and do not lose quality when zoomed in.

Should You Rasterize Objects in Illustrator?

If you need to access a vector graphic in Illustrator with an application that doesn’t handle vector graphics, you often rasterize the item to make it into a jpg or png. You are not required to rasterize a vector in Illustrator unless you want to transfer it to Photoshop. 

Simply copy and paste it into Photoshop, where you can edit it as a smart/linked object or change it over there.

One reason to rasterize in Illustrator is when dealing with text. When sharing the design to a device that lacks the required font, you can rasterize text in Illustrator so that the recipient can still see the text object.

How to Rasterize in illustrator

To rasterize a vector in Illustrator without sacrificing quality, follow the steps listed in the section below. 

For more information on how to rasterize text in Illustrator, watch this video below:

Step 1: Choose the Vector or Text You Wish to Rasterize

  • If you wish to rasterize various objects into one picture, hold down Shift while making your selection. 
  • Your objects will rasterize to the size that they are shown on your artboard. 
  • You will therefore obtain a higher resolution image if you rasterize them first and then scale them up.

Step 2: Create a Hidden Layer/Artboard/File to Copy the Vectors 

This way, if necessary, you may retrieve them as vector files in the future. Once you save your file, the rasterization procedure is permanent and irrevocable.

Step 3: Rasterize

  • Go to Object>Rasterize
  • Rasterize options will appear in the new window that appears. 
  • Choose the color mode that you want for your rasterized object. 

The basic color mode will be the same as your actual document. Therefore, if you put it up as CMYK, CMYK will be the standard. The same is true with RGB. In any case, you have the choice between Grayscale and Bitmap.

Step 4: Decide on a Resolution

  • 300 PPI is ideal for printing, whereas 72 PPI is optimum for screen viewing and internet sharing. 
  • If you want to create a unique resolution, you can select “other.” 
  • The resolution of your rasterized picture will mirror that of your current document if you choose to “Use document raster effect resolution.”

Step 5: Decide On a Translucent or a White Backdrop 

The ultimate quality of your photograph is unaffected by these, so you can choose either of the two.

Step 6: Pick Anti-Aliasing Setting 

  • Inserting pixels around the margins and color limits while rasterizing your image will allow anti-aliasing to soften and smooth down sharp edges. 
  • By doing this, you may avoid having jagged or unnatural-looking curves and diagonals. 
  • If “None” is chosen, edges will be more defined, but curves and diagonal lines will seem jagged.
  • Anti-aliasing that is “art optimized” will give your shapes this look but is not advised for writing. The most effective method for rasterizing text is “text-optimized.” If you are unhappy with the outcome, you may experiment with these parameters and undo the raster.
  • Click “Ok” after leaving the other options alone. You have now rasterized your object.

If you feel that there isn’t any difference, the image has been rasterized in high quality. It’s possible to see the pixels if you zoom in closer. Unlike vector objects, there won’t be any pathways or anchor points in your rasterized image.

Conclusion

And there you have it. It’s crucial to keep in mind that text in Adobe Illustrator is treated as an object, so when you rasterize it, it will appear in the Object menu rather than the Type menu. As soon as the text is rasterized, it is impossible to change it; therefore, make sure you create a duplicate of the vector text first.