Using raster and vector graphics together

[bt351s]

Hi... Can I place a raster image (psd from Photoshop) into Illustrator and just embed it and then add to the design in Illustrator and save it as a png please? I want to be able to make public domain png graphics larger for print on demand in Photoshop without losing quality (eg: Enlarge to 5400 x 4800 300 dpi) and then edit and add stuff in Illustrator as I know how to use it far better but without having to vectorise and lose a lot of detail.  On the flipside should I keep the file in Photoshop and add and edit there, learning to use it much better haha! Rather paranoid about t shirt graphics becoming pixilated when printed... Cheers so much 🙂

Ps: I know the public domain image should already be 300 dpi

[Jacob Bugge]

bt,

There is no reason to embed the image and increase the AI file size, you can just link to it, but to better control the outcome including colour space, save/export from PS.

Some/many that (mainly) work in PS use AI (not the other AI) for quality/ease/convenience.

Both applications are there for a reason.

[bt351s]

Cheers so much Jacob.... So I can just export from Ps to Ai and work on the png without having to image trace and expand?

(Or link it)

[Jacob Bugge]

For my part you are welcome, bt.

When answering I never thought of image tracing, which really changes the artwork.

When reading your "add to the design in Illustrator" I thought of things like adding vector elements and/or using a vector path to cleanly cut the outer bounds (to get rid of a background), which can really make the artwork appear fine and smooth at larger sizes/lower resolutions.

Concerning the needed PPI, I am inclined to keep it with the original image size/resolution (with no increase in AI file size when linked, and you have the original image size in any case) ready for possible needs for other purposes requiring higher resolution and just export for the current use as needed, all to be safe rather than sorry.

There is also a crucial question about end use: will all users just need it for print on T shirts, or may some need it for other kinds of print jobs with higher resolution needs (larger fabrics or  posters or other purposes)?

[bt351s]

It certainly does change the look even when image tracing high fidelity.... You know you're safe though with a vector haha!

Great tip about saving original file to use again when needed... Especially in the future increasing your product range.... Cheers so much again and happy designing 🙂

[Jacob Bugge]

You are welcome, bt, and thank you for your good wishes.

[Monika Gause]

When printing on fabric you probably do not need 200 ppi images, because the fabric limits the amount of detail anyway. Vectorising for the sake of enlöarging images most of the time won't give you better quality. Maybe invest in one of those upscaling software packages.

[bt351s]

Thanks heaps Monika... I always though you needed 300 dpi for print.  I've just got Photoshop for the upscaling part or so I thought... Sorry still a baby in the game haha!

[Monika Gause]

Photoshop is good at upscaling, but some of those specialized apps could be even better.

I would always prefer pixel based scaling to vectorizing for photographic kind of images.

as for the amount of detail in your photo: I would make test prints. Optimizing the photo (sharpening, contrast etc.) will help with the details.

[bt351s]

Awesome 🙂  Thanks again