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rob day
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 27, 2018
Answered

Photoshop PDF Vectors

  • July 27, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 1440 views

When I save and place a Photoshop PDF, text layers export as vectors but vector smart objects and paths get rasterized. Is the Photoshop PDF place and export of vectors limited to text objects, or am I missing something in the Photoshop PDF dialog?

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    Correct answer Steve Werner

    You're getting exactly what is included in a Photoshop PDF. Vectors and text are preserved as vector. All other Photoshop objects (including smart objects) are rasterized at the Photoshop image resolution.

    1 reply

    Steve Werner
    Community Expert
    Steve WernerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    July 27, 2018

    You're getting exactly what is included in a Photoshop PDF. Vectors and text are preserved as vector. All other Photoshop objects (including smart objects) are rasterized at the Photoshop image resolution.

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity ExpertAuthor
    Community Expert
    July 27, 2018

    Thanks Steve, it caught me by surprise, I wouldn't have thought a placed and linked vector path would have to be handled differently than a native path.

    Steve Werner
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    July 27, 2018

    I knew from the past that it was true, but I just had to test again using current versions of InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

    I created Photoshop type and a Shape layer dark blue circle in a Photoshop CC 2018 file. Then I added a light blue AI file which I placed linked as a smart object. I saved as a Photoshop PDF file (PDF/X-4, no compression, no color management). I placed the Photoshop PDF file in InDesign CC 2018

    The result: the Photoshop type and shape layer are smooth even when zoomed into. The AI linked smart object had been rasterized (it's top right0. See below: