Supplementary English-Only Training Materials
Note: These materials are offered only in English as supplementary examples for a deeper dive into Fiery LLC products.

To Rasterize or not to Rasterize

In SignLab, when importing PDF or vector images, SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), you be prompted with two options. “Do Not Rasterize” or “Rasterize”.

Note: You will not see this message when importing TIFF, JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG, PSD, or EPS because they are already considered raster images.

Note: If the imported file contains a transparency, if you select Do Not Rasterize, some data will be lost. This can sometimes show as a black box around part of the image. For example, if alpha bitmaps are not rasterized on import, they will import with a black box around the area that was previously transparent.

What Does it Mean to Rasterize?

Raster = Pixels

Basically, when you “rasterize”, you are converting a PDF or Vector (SVG) to a bitmap image.

Since raster graphics are made up of pixels and have a set resolution, if you reduce the size of a raster image, the number of pixels decrease. Once you’ve reduced the number of pixels, if you try to increase the size of the raster image, it will become pixelated. (The number of pixels will not increase when you increase the size of the image.)

If you choose to rasterize a vector image, it will convert vectors, text layers, layer effects, or any other kind of graphics into a simple bitmap image made of pixels.

Eraser brush size is measured in pixels so you can't use an eraser unless it's rasterized data.

Detailed images like photographs and large posters or banners are raster images.

What is a Vector Image?

Vector = thousands of tiny lines and curves.

Vector are formed by mathematical formulas: x=y.

Pixelation is not a problem with vector images. Vector shapes can be stretched and will not lose their quality. Drawn objects and fonts are considered vectors and size can be increased and it won’t change the quality of the object.

When you double click on a vector image in SignLab, you will be in wire frame node editing mode. (Node editing is not possible if you choose to rasterize a vector image.)

In SignLab, when you import clip art from the Clip Art Viewer, you are asked if you’d like to rasterize. If you decide to rasterize, your vector image will be converted to a bitmap.

Vector objects are best for logos because they can be increased to any size and retain their quality.

What is the Purpose of Rasterizing?

Converting vector graphics format (shapes) into a raster image (pixels or dots) for output on a video display or printer, or for storage in a bitmap file format.