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lglmrc
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August 30, 2017
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Converting vector images to bitmap

  • August 30, 2017
  • 1 reply
  • 11891 views

Hello,

I would like to know if there's a way to convert vector images to bitmap upon export.

I have a Indesign document containing several linked Illustrator vector images, and I would like to "rasterize" only those (not the entire page).

Is this possible?

Many thanks in advance!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Dov Isaacs

There is no “built-in” method within Acrobat of rasterizing portions of a PDF page.

I do assume that you know that by definition, rasterizing text and/or vector objects degrades quality and the ability to scale same for display or print.

There is one kludge that you can try although the results may vary depend upon the particular content. In Acrobat's edit function, select the object(s) you wish to rasterize, right click and choose Edit in Illustrator. Once in Illustrator, select all the objects and choose the Object=>Rasterize operation. Then save. This will return the content to you PDF file as a raster image. Then exit Illustrator.

Note that you must carefully select the rasterization options when in Illustrator to match the color space and resolution needs of your PDF file to avoid lossiness.

Also note that this is one of the very few times where I would advocate use of Illustrator to “edit” PDF objects. Of course, be on the lookout for loss of content when Illustrator opens your selected PDF objects. Illustrator doesn't support all PDF objects.

Good luck!

          - Dov

1 reply

Dov Isaacs
Dov IsaacsCorrect answer
Brainiac
August 30, 2017

There is no “built-in” method within Acrobat of rasterizing portions of a PDF page.

I do assume that you know that by definition, rasterizing text and/or vector objects degrades quality and the ability to scale same for display or print.

There is one kludge that you can try although the results may vary depend upon the particular content. In Acrobat's edit function, select the object(s) you wish to rasterize, right click and choose Edit in Illustrator. Once in Illustrator, select all the objects and choose the Object=>Rasterize operation. Then save. This will return the content to you PDF file as a raster image. Then exit Illustrator.

Note that you must carefully select the rasterization options when in Illustrator to match the color space and resolution needs of your PDF file to avoid lossiness.

Also note that this is one of the very few times where I would advocate use of Illustrator to “edit” PDF objects. Of course, be on the lookout for loss of content when Illustrator opens your selected PDF objects. Illustrator doesn't support all PDF objects.

Good luck!

          - Dov

- Dov Isaacs, former Adobe Principal Scientist (April 30, 1990 - May 30, 2021)
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