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.

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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

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