The Best Way to Vectorize Your Detailed Photoshop Art

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of vectorizing detailed artwork using Photoshop, ensuring that subtle textures and details are preserved for client needs, such as T-shirt graphics. Using this method, you can create high-quality vector files that maintain the integrity of your original designs, overcoming the limitations of the Image Trace function in Adobe Illustrator.

Step 1: Save a Copy of the File

• Open your detailed artwork in Photoshop.
• Go to File > Save As.
• Save a copy of the file to preserve the original and avoid losing any data during the vectorization process.

Step 2: Save All Layers as Smart Object

• Select all layers in your Layers panel.
• Right-click the selected layers and choose Convert to Smart Object.
• This allows for non-destructive editing while maintaining the quality of your artwork.

Step 3: Create a Threshold Adjustment Layer

• Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Threshold.
• This adjustment will help in converting your image to a black and white format, enhancing the contrast and making it easier to create paths later.

Step 4: Apply Gaussian Blur to Smart Object

• With the Smart Object selected, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
• Adjust the radius to smooth out details slightly; this can help in creating cleaner paths.

Step 5: Refine Threshold Adjustment if Necessary

• Go back to the Threshold layer and adjust the slider.
• Fine-tune the black and white areas until you achieve the desired level of detail.

Step 6: Copy All Artwork to the Clipboard

• Select all (CTRL + A on Windows, CMD + A on Mac).
• Copy the selection (CTRL + C on Windows, CMD + C on Mac).

Step 7: Create a New Alpha Channel

• Open the Channels panel (Window > Channels).
• Click on the Create New Channel button at the bottom of the panel.
• This will create an Alpha Channel where you will paste your selection.

Step 8: Paste to Alpha Channel

• With the new Alpha Channel selected, paste the copied artwork (CTRL + V on Windows, CMD + V on Mac).
• This action stores your artwork in the Alpha Channel for later use.

Step 9: Invert the Alpha Channel

• Click on the Alpha Channel to make it active.
• Go to Image > Adjustments > Invert or press CTRL + I (Windows) / CMD + I (Mac).
• This will switch the black and white areas, preparing it for selection.

Step 10: Load Selection from Alpha Channel

• Hold down the CTRL key (Windows) or CMD key (Mac) and click the Alpha Channel thumbnail.
• This action creates a selection based on the Alpha Channel.

Step 11: Create Paths from the Selection

• Go to Layer > Vector Mask > Current Selection.
• This will generate paths based on the selected areas of your artwork.

Step 12: Export Paths to Illustrator

• Open the Paths panel (Window > Paths).
• Click on the menu icon and choose Export Paths to Illustrator.
• Save the file in either EPS or AI format for use in Illustrator.

Step 13: Apply a Colour to the Paths in Illustrator

• Open the exported file in Adobe Illustrator.
• Select the paths and apply the desired color to them.

Final Step: Use Exclude in Pathfinder Tool

• Select all shapes in your artwork.
• Open the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder).
• Use the Exclude option to separate positive and negative shapes, refining your artwork for final adjustments.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively vectorize your detailed Photoshop artwork while preserving its intricate textures. This method allows you to create high-quality vector files suitable for various applications, such as T-shirt printing. Consider experimenting with the steps to refine your process further and enhance your artwork's quality.