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wingkhoo
wingkhoo
Participant
July 21, 2018
Answered

How do I save as vector-based pdf?

  • July 21, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 94466 views

I am a university student and my assignment requires me to save my file as a vector-based pdf. As i am inexperienced with this certain file format, I checked online that only Illustrator can do it, but I have no clue how to use Illustrator. How can I use either Photoshop or InDesign to save/convert my project as a vector-based pdf? Any help is very much appreiciated. Thank you very much.

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Correct answer Trevor.Dennis

Simply save as a PDF, but make sure all layers are intact in Photoshop, and that vector layers are not hidden by raster layers further up the stack.  Use the High Quality Print preset.

After saving, open the PDF in something like Acrobat, and zoom way way in to ensure type and other vector layers, remain sharp.

3 replies

lambiloon
Community Expert
lambiloonCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 22, 2018

hi wingkhoo actually you not need vector pdf just save it as pdf from pdf with layers its quality will be same as vector base just make sure to do all correct with color mode , size and resolution.

thank you

Ali Sajjad / Graphic Design Trainer / Freelancer / Adobe Certified Professional
Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Trevor.DennisCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
July 22, 2018

Simply save as a PDF, but make sure all layers are intact in Photoshop, and that vector layers are not hidden by raster layers further up the stack.  Use the High Quality Print preset.

After saving, open the PDF in something like Acrobat, and zoom way way in to ensure type and other vector layers, remain sharp.

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 21, 2018

    There is not a setting when creating a PDF to say "make it vector based." The document has to be vector, not raster.

    • Photoshop is mostly raster, except the text is vector, and there are some vector drawing tools.
    • Illustrator is mostly raster, except some of the effects are raster, such as drop shadow and Gaussian blur. Images placed into Illustrator remain raster.
    • InDesign has text, which is vector, except people place photos, illustrations, pdfs, and more, which may be raster or may be vector.

    Tell us about your file: where did you create it, and is it raster or vector?

    And (forgive me), but give us the exact wording of the instructions, as they make no sense.

      c.pfaffenbichler
      Community Expert
      c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 22, 2018
      • Photoshop is mostly raster, except the text is vector, and there are some vector drawing tools.

      And those Paths in a Photoshop file can only provide vector output in a pdf if they are used as Vector Masks or Shape Layers.

      How can I use either Photoshop or InDesign to save/convert my project as a vector-based pdf?

      Well, so far we don’t know if your file contains any actual vector data so please post s screenshot of the Photoshop file with the Layers Panel visible.

      jane-e
      Community Expert
      jane-eCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 22, 2018

      wingkhoo, we are all waiting to help as soon as we hear back from you!

      If I were told to merely submit a vector-based PDF with no other instructions, I would be tempted to type some text in any of the three programs, draw some vector shapes in any of the three programs, then make the PDF (the steps vary by program.)

      So I am guessing there is more to the assignment?

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