Changing Vector Graphics Into Bitmap Images

The process of changing a vector graphic to a bitmap image is called rasterization. During rasterization, Illustrator converts the graphic’s paths into pixels. The rasterization options you set determine the size and other characteristics of the resulting pixels.
There are two ways to rasterize vector graphics:
• The Object > Rasterize command permanently converts the graphic to a bitmap image
using the specified rasterization settings. Once you apply the Object > Rasterize
command, you cannot modify the image’s rasterization settings.
• The Effect > Rasterize command changes only the appearance of the graphic without
changing the graphic’s underlying structure. You can modify the rasterization settings of the bitmap image or revert the bitmap image to a vector graphic at any time.

Once graphics are converted by either method, you can apply plug-in filters, such as those designed for Adobe Photoshop, to the image as you would with any placed image. However, you cannot apply vector tools and commands (such as the type tools and the Pathfinder commands) to modify the bitmap image.
To rasterize a vector graphic:
1 Do one of the following:
• Select one or more objects you want to rasterize, and choose Object > Rasterize.
• Select one or more objects you want to rasterize, or target an item in the Layers palette. Then choose Effect > Rasterize.
2 Set the following rasterization options, and click OK:
Color Model Determines the color model that is used during rasterization. You can generate an RGB or CMYK color image (depending on the color mode of your document), a grayscale image, or a 1-bit image (which may be black-and-white or black-and-transparent, depending on the background option selected).
Resolution Determines the number of pixels per inch (ppi) in the rasterized image.
Select Use Document Raster Effects Resolution to use global resolution settings.
Background Determines how transparent areas of the vector graphic are converted to pixels. Select White to fill transparent areas with white pixels, or select Transparent to make the background transparent. If you select Transparent, you create an alpha channel (for all images except 1-bit images). The alpha channel is retained if the artwork is exported into Photoshop.
Type Quality Determines the method used to rasterize type. Select Streamline if you want the rasterized type to be slender and attenuated. Select Outline if you want the rasterized type to be slightly heavier.
Anti-aliasing Determines the type of anti-aliasing that is applied during rasterization. Anti-aliasing reduces the appearance of jagged edges in the rasterized image. Select None to apply no anti-aliasing and maintain the hard edges of line art when it is rasterized. Select Art Optimized to apply anti-aliasing that is best suited to artwork without type. Select Type Optimized to apply anti-aliasing that is best suited to type.
Create Clipping Mask Creates a mask that makes the background of the rasterized image appear transparent
Note: You do not need to create a clipping mask if you selected Transparent for Background.
Add Around Object Adds the specified number of pixels around the rasterized image.