PSP converting to .ai format

[matauri]

I have designed artwork in PSP & need to send it to signwriters, and they request it in .ai or corel format. (they require it as vectors)

If I try to save it as .ai from PSP I get a black & white image, no vectors.

I have tried exporting it as vector shapes, but it is in .jsl format, & they dont want that.

What am I doing wrong? And how can I do it right? :-)



Cindy

[waanagaran]

I'm not so sure about this but I think you cannot convert a PSP file into vector graphics (or an ai file). When you export it to Illustrator, the layers are sort of flattened (or rasterized) so you can no longer work on individual layers. The next best thing to do, I guess, is to do it all over again (in the requested format).

[matauri]

Yeah...I kinda thought as much myself. Thats why I thought I would see if there was a way. The signwriter seemed to think you could save it from photoshop to Ilustrator format, but I havent had any luck yet.


Cindy

[mikmik]

Maybe I am in time to save some trouble.
Export it from psp to a .jpg.
Then import it into illustrator and save it, it will be converted to .ai.

I hope I've got the teminology right. I have only seen PSP about 8 month ago and I can't remeber.

BUT, that is exactly what I do with my images. I am always importing jpegs, gifs etc. into flash and then when I save the file, it converts to .fla.

Another way may be to work out of PSP and into Illustrator in raw (tiff, I think) format.

I hope this helps, I am not worldly enough to know those software, or awake enough yet!

[mikmik]

I don't think I understand matauri
from photoshop to Ilustrator format, but I havent had any luck yet.
But first you said this
I have designed artwork in PSP

PSP or PS? If PS,
The Paths to Illustrator command lets you export Photoshop paths as Adobe Illustrator files. This makes it easier to work with combined Photoshop and Illustrator artwork or to use Photoshop features on Illustrator artwork. For example, you may want to export a pen tool path and stroke it to use as a trap with a Photoshop clipping path you are printing in Illustrator. You can also use this feature to align Illustrator text or objects with Photoshop paths.

To use the Paths to Illustrator command:

Draw and save a path or convert an existing selection into a path.
Choose File > Export > Paths to Illustrator.
Choose a location for the exported path, and enter a filename.
Click Save.
Open the path in Adobe Illustrator as a new file. You can now manipulate the path or use the path to align Illustrator objects.
Note that the crop marks in Adobe Illustrator reflect the dimensions of the Adobe Photoshop image. The position of the path within the Photoshop image is maintained, provided you don't change the crop marks or move the path.


( Quoted from Adobe PS 7.x Help files )

I still think it should work using the 'two step'. Only thing is that you lose the layers, as waanagaran mentioned.

[matauri]

Graphic was oringially done in PSP.

Signwriter needs it in Illustrator format (.ai) or Corel (.cmx), so I presume they use Illustrator maybe. In any case, they require a vector image.

I thought I would be able to jsut save it from PSP to .ai format, or another vector format, but when you save data in these formats, the file contains raster data only.

So, I tried to import it over to Photoshop, because the signwriter informed me that it would be done from there. But, PS doesn't appear to support the 2 formats I can save a vector image in with PSP (EMF & WMF).

I also have Corel 6 which I tried it in also, but I couldn't get as good a resolution, and the vector were in black & white only..it didnt seem to vector colours.

I dont however, have Adobe Illustrator.

Now I know prob the most logical thing to do would be to recreate the image in Photoshop, but because I have been so slack in learning to use it to its full potential (often relying on PSP exclusively for graphics), it would take some time to figure how to get the image to look as I want it. Time I havent got a lot of. I am supposed to have this image into the signwriters in a couple of days.

So thats why I am turning to the experts...hoping to find an easy solution :-)

(hope that all made sense)


Cindy

[cyanide]

What's PSP ?
Is that Photoshop ?

Either way, if your image was done in bitmap mode, then you have no choice but to do it over again as vector

There are some third party programs that will convert an image from bitmap to vector, but normally doesn't come out that well.

Simply importing/exporting an image to a vector program like Illustrator, the image will still be bitmap
For signage, you do need to create it in vector in the first place. That way, it can easily be stretched to fit the sign. The bitmap image, even in Illustrator will look distorted and blurred when stretched

I hope I'm making sense

[matauri]

PSP=Paint Shop Pro

Cyanide it has been created as a vector in PSP, just not a vector I can export in the format they want.

I just kind of figure there must be a way to save a vector image from PSP to Photoshop, so I can then save it as an Adobe Illustrator vector image (.ai)


Cindy
.

[cyanide]

OH, sorry.

Not familiar with PSP.
Can you export to eps ? eps would work as well

[matauri]

Tried that Cyanide....but the file ends up containing raster data only :-(



Cindy

[mikmik]

You have to 'Trace Image' once you import it!

Good way to lock up your computer if you don't know what you are doing, believe me, I know!

[waanagaran]

Hi Matauri,

I have used Paint Shop Pro once but shifted to Photoshop three years ago. I know both software make use of layers (same way Illustrator does). If you can save PSP in psd format, then maybe this solution could be worth a try (I hope).

To avoid flattening the image, I suggest saving each layer (in the raw PSP format) as separate .psd (photoshop file).

When this (saving as separate .psd) is done, go to Illustrator and create an ai file. Open each .psd file you saved (you can actually open photoshop file in ai) and copy and paste each file (in separate layers) in the .ai file you created.

I hope this makes sense and offers some kind of help.

[matauri]

I dont have Illustrator, that is what I presume the signwriter has because he requests it in .ai format

I did what you said & converted it from .psp to .psd tho. Do you think that will be ok for me to send to them? That if they are running Illustrator they will be able to convert the .psd file to an .ai one?


Cindy

[waanagaran]

If they want to open the file in Illustrator in separate layers, I'm afraid it might not work either. The .psd layers will be flattened when exported or opened in Illustrator.

[mikmik]

matauri, I read something about:
If I try to save it as .ai from PSP I get a black & white image, no vectors

I couldn't find it again, but it was on a forum or a support page at the JASC site, and it referred to this, I think, but I'm sure about an issue with saving a vector file that came out as BLACK and WHITE because the person didn't choose a proper level of some kind, it was supposed to be a 2nd (whatever) instead of a 1st(level?). I don't know if that rings any bells for anyone here.

I have designed artwork in PSP & need to send it to signwriters, and they request it in .ai or corel format. (they require it as vectors)
Also, I found out that PSP 8 can use EPS, Enhanced Post Script(.eps, .ai, and .ps) , and I'm not familiar with any corel extensions, but - .cgm, .cmx, and .cdr(corel drawing).

So I'm wondering, if your version of PSP is not 8.0, then maybe try downloading the trial version and taking the file from your current PSP into the newer one. Here is from the read me:

New File Format Support
Paint Shop Pro 8 has added support for over 15 new and enhanced file formats, including JPEG
2000, PDF, SVG, Postscript Level 3, and lossless JPEG.
It also says
Images with open vector strokes in PSP7 no longer appear with closed vector strokes in PSP8.

Improved overall performance when using vector objects and layers

Fixed issue that caused the program to save a *.pspimage file it cannot open.

The last thing I thought may be possible, is if you have (or download a trial) of Macromedia Freehand, if it might be able to act as a "bridge".

Now I see some of this is covered above, but maybe ver 8 can get it to .cmx?

Just tossing idea's, brainstorming, try and stir things up.

[matauri]

I was going to update to PSP 8 too, and got 3D max instead...bugger !

OK...I am going to try for a long shot here...

I dont suppose there is anyone out there that has PSP8 or anyone who can even figure out how to convert a PSP7 image to the vector graphics format I need? I currently have the vectors in .psp format. Or anyone that has Illustrator & would like to do the vectors (it is all fonts & a ding I can supply). Below is a gif image of the final product appearance. Its not a hard one. My alternative is to pay the signwriters the $56 p/h for them to do the artwork.

http://attitude-emedia.com/image-library/door-artwork.gif


Cindy

[mikmik]

Hi Cindy, I have all kinds of software, including some corel, it might only be 8.0, I've got some other powerful stuff, but old (2 yrs.) - MicroGrafx, swish, MAYA!! 4.5. Now that one is scary, maybe worse than director!?

I know I didn't do the best with my advice about 'import-> convert to vector, but I have a bunch of LOT'S of good multimedia stuff, and I was just into the process of getting away from Photo-shop.

I would like to try, I'll even challenge someone to do it before me, and they'd have a pretty good chance against this wily, but inexperienced fox!

If you are into it, PM me, Or e-mail, upload to your new host, so send details - specs of the final output.

I'm really getting back to "normal" after things took a detour in the last two weeks, back in the old saddle, I need to butter you up so I can get out from under your ruthless wit

=:-H <-Football player
:oÞ

See, normal!

[matauri]

OK Mik & anyone else who might be able to give it a try...here are the font downloads for it:

Place no importance on background colour, except that it is going on a very dark jade green.


Vector Image in PaintShop Pro(7) (http://attitude-emedia.com/image-library/door-artwork.psp) (.psp format)

Fonts for Layout:
(font sizes are dependent on fitting the design parameters)

LOGO (http://attitude-emedia.com/image-library/cropbat2.zip) (cropbats)
(letter "f")
Hex= #C0C0C0
Bold
(no outline - only fill)


ATTITUDE (http://attitude-emedia.com/image-library/WorldNet.zip) (worldnet)
(done in lower case)
Hex= #ffb413
Kerning= 131
(outline & fill)
Bold


e-media
Font= Arial
Hex= #ffffff
Kerning= 95
Bold
(no outline - only fill)


Unique by Design (http://attitude-emedia.com/image-library/almagro.zip) (almagro)
Hex= #c0c0c0
Kerning= 0
Normal (not bold)
(outline & fill)


Media, Web & Graphic Design
Font= Arial
Hex= #ffffff
Kerning= 0
normal (not bold)
(no outline - only fill)



Think thats all you would need.

Thanks! :-)


Cindy

[zuki]

Cindy,

What you are trying to accomplish cannot be done without some re-work or re-design. I have been doing this for over 15 years and my choice for any kind of logo design is by far, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, they work perfectly together between Vector and Bitmap.

The reason why the sign shop wants an Illustrator file is because they work with vector based programs which cut signs out out vinyl and the format of preference for years for these programs has been Illustrator. My advice to you would be as follows:

It is evident that you have two layers that need to be separated; the word “attitude” and the rest of the text and graphics since these two elements overlap. What you will need to do is to export those two elements from PSP as Bitmaps, either tiff, BMP or gif. Do not save the color information but save them as 1 bit B&W images and save them in the highest resolution you can deal with (i.e. 2000 dpi, 8.5 X 11” ). What you want to do is to retain as much of the edge smoothness as possible, thus the high resolution.

What you will need to do then is to save the two images onto a CDR and either take them to a Kinko’s or a local Service Bureau that has Either Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Streamline, bring the images into one of these programs and convert them to curves or outlines. Once you have done this you can re-assemble them in Illustrator and save them as an Illustrator file.

An option would be to take those high res composites to a local designer who then can convert them for you for small fee. There might need to be a few adjustments since the outlining of Bitmap images always brings along a few rough edges.

If there is no import export relationship between Illustrator and PSP (which from what I understand there is not) this is your best bet for the nest quality possible short of a complete re-design which might not be feasible.

Hope this was helpful to you and good luck.

George

[mikmik]

Cindy, I am done a half of an hour ago!! I used Fireworks, PSP 8, Irfanview, I downloaded 2 other programs but didn't even install them.

I only checked it as flash, and it played perfectly,
resizes, every thing!

I have several vector formats, the .ai is HUGE! That's what happens when you trace an image with a <10 tolerance at 1 pixel.

I don't want to get to excited yet, I'll wait for you to check it out.

I have .ai, .eps, .pspimage, .psd .emf ,png, .swf(91kb), I used as high a quality as I could, so I'll shut up , know so I can post, and keep fingers crossed.

I have about 10MB worth of files, I didn't even know you had replied until just NOW!

[matauri]

You never cease to amaze me Mik :-)

Thank you! And they are all as vectors...each component? Have to check that, because these are coming off as indivual sticker colours. Not as one total image. It will have no background, the car paintwork is the background. The orange, silver & white will be different..not all on one sheet. Hope I explained that so it made sense. :-)

So I need one vector of the total image.
and...
a vector for the logo
" " " " word ATTITUDE
" " " " " e-media
and so on for the others.


(I shoulda explained that all before..sorry) :-)

If your emailing it Mik, and it is large, it might be worth sending one at a time if that is ok.



Cindy

[mikmik]

mat, and you know PHP now(LOL I'll tell you a bit later why I said that 'php bit, just to slow at typing to do it now. ~:-P <-- Single Hair (Ya, I wonder why I am slow.. 0;-) Angel winking - male

Okay, you said this
Thank you! And they are all as vectors...each component? Have to check that, because these are coming off as indivual sticker colours. Not as one total image. It will have no background, the car paintwork is the background. The orange, silver & white will be different..not all on one sheet. Hope I explained that so it made sense. :-)

So I need one vector of the total image.
and...
a vector for the logo
" " " " word ATTITUDE
" " " " " e-media
and so on for the others.

I was just deciding to do that, when I came back here to post and saw zuki said
If there is no import export relationship between Illustrator and PSP (which from what I understand there is not) this is your best bet for the nest quality possible short of a complete re-design which might not be feasible.

In fact, all vector programs can use the Photoshop format, although he is half correct, PSP used .eps by default...
I'll fill you in later, when is more time for chit chat so would you leave me alone I'm trying to get some work done around here :^) lol
I was just in the process of doing exactly that when I read what zuki posted - seperating it into all the individual layers in flash and resaving/converting etc. Next time you see zuki, tell him Macromedia rules! Just kidding zuki - I'm newbie-ish pretty much!

So I was rebooting, shutting down as much as possible that runs in background, and I forgot I corrupted something in the registry last night and I had to fiddle around, I restored back a week, and now I don't have PSP installed!!

So give me a couple hrs., I might as well put PhotoShop on, and I know how to set it to automatically 'smooth' the edges, it might take two tries at the most but then no prob. Also, once it is 'layered', I can send the parts individually, I hpoe!

Okay, I thought I told you to leave me alone.
( me--> (:-D Blabber Mouth
I'll be able to really optimize for size once it is converted.

Bye for now.

[waanagaran]

Hi Matauri

I might give it a try as soon as I get home about 3 hours from now (unless somebody else beat me to the deadline). My only problem would be some of the fonts you used (worldnet and almagro - unless you can provide some files to download, I might spend some more time looking for those fonts on the web).

[waanagaran]

Ooops... I didn't see you already provided links to some zip files.

[waanagaran]

Hello Matauri,

Got the ai file finished. Here's the link to the zip file (223kb):

http://www.geocities.com/waanagaran/images/door-artwork.zip

The artwork is the same size as the .gif file you posted. Good night. Got to catch some sleep.

[mikmik]

Close one my man! I sent email twenty minutes ago, 4 versions of .ai, windows movie, etc.

Merry christmas Chrissy, from both of us!

I just wish I wouldn't have spent 2 -3 hours trying to fix up the gif you posted here, I wanted the font's, and I was going to go looking for them, then I saw that waanagaran mentioned in his post about the zip files being right in front of my face!

And I'm so slow typing, that something refreshed the browser on me when I was goofing around with the smoley's, and well ,Hope the email goes through.
(:-D Blabber Mouth

I'll be up for a bit, I spent about 4 hours total trying to smooth the give once I traced it, the whole time you had font's up....
I'll never doubt cyanide again as long as it shall be Friday today!(where computer, buddy!)
I did it all on flash, ther are 4 versions of .ai, and windows movie, and I always forget that I don't have Quick time installed, or you'd have that to!

I have all the other files if you need.(psd etc) and the one font would;nt go as "outline" for some reason, man I am over tired, so I'm a ramblin!

[mikmik]

http://factor1.net/temp/vectoriffic/FinalRelease/ChrissiePresent001.htm

This is a link to a page where you can download these files one at a time, or all at once in a zip, size = 300kb.
14 kb 2layers.html
1 kb 2layers.jpg
23 kb 2layers.png
6kb 2layers.swf
5 kb attitudeDoor0001.ai
3kb attitudeDoor000130001.ai
3 kb Chrissie.emf
5 kb Chrissie.eps
8 kb Chrissie.wmf
3 kb Dec01DskTp_003.gif
25 kb Dec01DskTp_003.png
16 kb finalVersionAttitudeDoorArtDec12.fla
40 kb hh.ai
3 kb kanoodle400x165.jpg
10 kb listsm.jpg
15 kb tragedy.jpg
57 kb ver60001.ai
3 kb version880001.ai
2 kb version880001.ai

I also have all sorts of psd and other files, I've got lots as seperate layer files, so - get in touch!

Haven't seen you around Cindy!