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Participant
April 21, 2020
Question

Increase Resolution or Make Vectors from Abstract Blocky Image

  • April 21, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 439 views

Hello! I have created a few abstract images in photoshop by taking a photograph, making some adjustments (levels, curves, and posterize), and then applying the "Cutout" artistic filter (Number of Levels: 5, Edge Simplicity: 10, Edge Fidelity: 1). Below is an example.

 

 

I want to use these images in an InDesign Document. Unfortunately, they seem to not have a high enough resolution and have (fairly small) amounts of pixelation (see close-up screenshot below). 

 

 

I'm wondering if: (1) there is anyway to increase the resolution (though I imagine not), and (2) if there is a quick way to convert the image into a vector format, or something along those lines, as the image is essentially a collection of blocks and shapes. I imagine one solution would be to create each shape in Illustrator/InDesign indivdiually, but this would likely take quite a long time given some of the images' complexity. Any suggestions on how to speed up this process are welcomed!

 

Thank you!

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3 replies

PECourtejoie
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 21, 2020

Ok, it seems that my tutorial is still online: https://www.creativebloq.com/computer-arts/photoshop-vectors-5049954 download the pdf, and in the PDF you will find a link to my vectorization actions, that you can use and study...

PECourtejoie
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 21, 2020

Hello, it would be so nice if Photoshop had a native vectorization tool...
That said, there is the Capture monochrome vectorization feature in the library panel, see: https://helpx.adobe.com/be_en/photoshop/using/capture-extension-in-libraries-panel.html

If you select a color, you can convert it to a path from the right-click menu.
The path panel can do it also (alt-click to adjust the accuracy)

It is possible to automate the process in an action, with a posterize step and a CMD+click on the channel to select different levels.

JJMack
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 21, 2020

If your abstract images has a few colors and sharp edges you may be able to use the Photopea web site to convert your images into a PSD with colored shape layers.

JJMack