Skip to main content
Andromeda#JPOK1000
Participating Frequently
November 7, 2022
Question

Options to choose in Photoshop for Vector projects

  • November 7, 2022
  • 5 replies
  • 959 views

Hello. I have just recently been designing Vector graphics in Photoshop. However, I'm not entirely sure if I am using the correct settings for my projects. I am using the correct sizes that are within 3000 x 5000 px & saving my files as EPS, but I'm not sure if I have got the rest of my settings correct such as the colour profile to which I'm using Adobe RGB (1998) & colour mode RGB. Also when saving should I have my settings at

  1.  Preveiw Tiff (8 Bit/pixel)
  2. Encoding ASCII85

With none of the other tick boxes chosen. 

I have attached a screenshot of my options when creating a project can anybody please tell me if it looks to be OK for a Vector project? Thanks 

This topic has been closed for replies.

5 replies

Andromeda#JPOK1000
Participating Frequently
November 8, 2022

I was aware that AI was the dedicated program for Vectors however I thought Photoshop was also capable. I do have AI but if I'm perfectly honest I'm not fully trained in it yet. However, I have been using Photoshop for years & find it quicker & easier to use if I'm perfectly honest. I have recently had some of my work accepted on Stock as Vector & noticed that they automatically distribute your work as AI, EPS & JPEG. Well, thanks for your help guys just looks like I'm going to have to try harder with AI. 

Imaginerie
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 8, 2022

I think you need to keep in mind that you absolutely need to keep your original files in PSD form (It sounds obvious but just keeping it here). In regards to your stock offerings, the way you export (.eps, or pdf) must follow their specifications. They differ with each platform. BUT do not keep your master files in .eps...
As for illustrator, It takes a while to get used to it, and if you find your happiness with Photoshop, I will never be the one to distract anyone from it. Illustrator has its flaws too!

You have now the very important update of being able to copy and paste AI layers as vector layers in Photoshop (last PS version post MAX 2022). So if you ever decide to take the AI plunge know that you can still finesse things in Photoshop now - IN VECTOR -  if it feels more natural for you.
Ultimately, a vector is a vector, and nobody will know which program it's been generated with until you'll tell them.

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 8, 2022
quote

You have now the very important update of being able to copy and paste AI layers as vector layers in Photoshop


By @Imaginerie

 

There are still a lot of limitations in this, and you will frequently get this:

 

The simple truth is that an Illustrator layer is not the same thing as a Photoshop layer. This new feature does a pretty good job of translating, but often it's not possible.

jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 8, 2022

I agree with @Jumpenjax and @D Fosse to use Illustrator — not Photoshop — when creating vector graphics.

 

EPS is rarely used these days, as it has been replaced by .ai and .pdf. Many people go so far as to call it a "dead" format. See this help file from Adobe:

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/file-types/image/vector/eps-file.html#eps

"Can I open EPS in Photoshop?

"You can open EPS files in Photoshop, but the image will be rasterised — meaning it will be locked for editing."

 

In your second screenshot, you have 300 ppi (pixels per inch). True vector (as you would create in Illustrator) is resolution independent.

 

Jane

 

Imaginerie
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 7, 2022

Photoshop has good-ish vector capabilities, although it's true that illustrator is best suited for this. That said, the settings you should be using are entirely dependant on the type of output you need. Need something for printing? (An illustrated poster for example) You'll need to choose your colour setting according to the printing system to be able to print the colours properly. It's possible that it will be CMYK instead of RGB.

 

As for saving your files, .eps is a good file format as you'll be able to read it in most software (adobe and non adobe), another possibility is .svg. Your .eps settings are good as far as I'm concerned.

Your main concern would be to use a colour mode that is actually fit for the output you need, in order to design with the right colours in mind. If you are designing for yourself, you'll be the one who choose that depending of what you plan to do with them, but in the case of a client, this will be the client who will dictate how you set up your files.

HTH!

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 7, 2022

Absolutely right. Use Illustrator! Photoshop does not normally output vector data (except in a very few special circumstances), and it's not designed to do that. Photoshop's vector tools are basically aids for making selections and masks, not intended for finished output.

 

Saving to eps doesn't make it vector. It's still pixel data inside.

 

 

Jumpenjax
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 7, 2022

Photoshop does not do illustrator vector. It would be better to just create it in illustrator.

Lee- Graphic Designer, Print Specialist, Photographer