How to Convert Low-Resolution Graphics to Vector Shapes in Photoshop

How to Convert Low-Resolution Graphics to Vector Shapes in Photoshop

Pixelated logos and graphics lose their impact when scaled up for print or web projects. Photoshop's Creative Cloud Libraries feature offers a built-in solution for transforming low-resolution black and white images into crisp, scalable vector shapes.

This technique works particularly well for simple graphics, logos, and icons that need to maintain sharp edges at any size.

Watch the Tutorial

Video by Photoshop Arthouse. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips for Vector Conversion

  • Trim your image first using Image > Trim to remove excess white space and focus the conversion on the graphic itself
  • Keep the detail setting at 50% in the Extract from Image dialog for balanced results between smoothness and accuracy
  • Enable smoothing when extracting shapes to create cleaner vector paths and reduce jagged edges
  • Hold Alt or Option when dragging the vector shape from Libraries to avoid creating a linked smart object
  • Test your converted vector by scaling it to 300+ DPI and enlarging with Transform to verify it maintains sharpness

More Tutorials About Image Resolution and Vector Graphics

Explore additional techniques for improving image quality and working with vector graphics.

Convert Low-Resolution Graphics to High Resolution in Photoshop
Low-resolution graphics often limit design projects, especially when you need to scale logos, icons, or simple illustrations for print or large-format displays. While vector formats offer infinite scalability, many graphics exist only as pixelated bitmap files that become unusable when enlarged. This tutorial demonstrates two effective methods for converting low-resolution graphics into crisp, high-resolution versions using Photoshop's built-in tools. You'll learn techniques that work specifica
How to Create a Vector Stencil from a Portrait Using Photoshop and Illustrator
Stencil art transforms complex portraits into bold, graphic statements using just black and white shapes. This simplified aesthetic has defined everything from street art to commercial design, creating instantly recognizable images that work across any medium. This tutorial demonstrates the complete workflow for converting a photograph into a clean vector stencil, combining Photoshop's image processing power with Illustrator's precision vector tools. Watch the Tutorial The Art of Stencil De
How to Create Low Polygon Images from Photos in Photoshop
In this Photoshop tutorial, you will learn how to transform your photos into stunning low-polygon images. The process is straightforward and can be applied to various types of images, allowing you to create captivating low-poly portraits or abstract artwork. The tutorial, presented by Marty Geller from Blue Lightning TV, guides you through the essential steps to achieve this visually striking effect. You'll discover how to use Photoshop's powerful tools and techniques to seamlessly convert your
How to convert a low-resolution image to high-resolution in Photoshop
In this tutorial, Aaron Nace demonstrates how to enhance low-resolution images using Photoshop's Super Resolution feature. This tool, available in Adobe Camera RAW, allows you to increase image resolution significantly by doubling the width and height of your photos, resulting in a fourfold increase in pixel count. Aaron walks you through the process of applying Super Resolution, explaining how it uses advanced algorithms to improve image detail and clarity. The tutorial covers preparation tips

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

You might also like

How to Create Circle Cropped Photos with Transparent Backgrounds in Photoshop

Circular cropping transforms standard photographs into clean, professional profile images perfect for websites, social media, and presentations. The frame tool method creates non-destructive crops with transparent backgrounds that export seamlessly across different platforms. This streamlined workflow eliminates the need for complex selections or masks while maintaining full control over image...

How to Use Generative Upscale to Restore and Enhance Low-Resolution Images in Photoshop

Low-resolution images often limit your creative projects, especially when you need sharp prints or high-quality displays. Photoshop's Generative Upscale feature transforms small, pixelated photos into crisp, detailed images using AI-powered enhancement. This tool offers three distinct AI models, each designed for specific image types—from landscapes and portraits...

How to Use Harmonize to Automatically Match Lighting in Photoshop Composites

Creating seamless composites traditionally requires hours of manual color correction and lighting adjustments. The new Harmonize tool changes this by automatically analyzing your background and matching your subject's lighting, shadows, and color tones with a single click. This AI-powered feature eliminates the need for complex adjustment layers and...

How to Use Adobe Photoshop in ChatGPT for Photo Editing

Adobe Photoshop is now integrated directly into ChatGPT, allowing you to edit photos using simple text descriptions. This new feature lets you enhance images, apply creative effects, and make targeted adjustments without needing a Photoshop subscription. You can describe what you want to change and fine-tune adjustments using familiar Photoshop...

How to Fix Skin Tones in Photoshop - Complete Guide

Skin tones can make or break a portrait, yet color casts and uneven lighting often leave subjects looking unnatural or flat. Whether dealing with mixed lighting conditions, camera white balance issues, or post-processing mishaps, getting skin colors right requires a systematic approach that works consistently across different scenarios. This comprehensive...

You’ve successfully subscribed to Photoshop Roadmap
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.