Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/827403
S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S • June 2017 • 59 potential conflicts to convert the file prior to printing. First of all, font data should be converted to outlines (Type > Create Outlines) especially when using exotic typefaces. Then, the document can be saved as a PDF. Conversion to Vector Scanned images like photographs can be placed in Illustrator (File > Place) which supports TIFF, PSD, JPG, PNG or EPS formats. The engine that converts a raster image to vectors is the Image Trace feature (Window > Image Trace) as shown in Figure 8 (a, b, c). Image Trace provides a multitude of options that control the ultimate appearance of the image. Like 3 D effected images, traced images need to be expanded in order to access their vector elements. Transparency The ability to see through objects can be controlled in a variety of ways depend- ing on the type of transparency required. First of all, a compound path can make a hole in an object as in Figure 9. One object is placed in front of another. Select both objects, and then chose Compound Path > Make from the Object menu. By a similar process, a clipping mask can be made that conceals the outside edges of an object or group of objects by the shape that resides in the highest level in the stack of sub-layers (see Figure 10). Finally, a hundred different lev- els of opacity can be applied from the Transparency panel. The Transparency fea- ture can render an object opaque, semi transparent or completely invisible (see Figure 11). Effects The strength of vector-based software lies in the numerous graphic effects that can be applied to change or enhance the appearance of an object once it has been generated. Effects range from gallery filters to 3D rotations and extrusions, to roughen and distortion features and graphic stylizations like drop shadows and glowing elements (see Figure 12). These techniques endow the designer with capabilities that can help push the creative envelop to the max. I hope this mini tour of Vectorland has been informative. Vector software is complex and powerful and this article barely scratches the surface of the hun- dreds of features available to produce and edit artwork. Needless to say, the real essence of vectors and the key to choosing weather to use the software that produces them is the ease with which they are created, the numerous filters and effects that can be employed, their small file size—and above all how they ultimately look. SDG Figure 9: A compound path can make a hole in an object. Figure 10: A clipping mask can be made which conceals the outside edges of an object or group of objects. Figure 11: The Transparency feature can render an object opaque, semi- transparent or completely invisible. Figure 12: Effects range from gallery filters to 3D rotations and extrusions, to roughen and distortion features and graphic stylizations like drop shadows and glowing elements.