You can convert vector objects and text into bitmaps, and then use bitmap filters to apply effects. The process of converting vector objects into a set of pixels is called Rasterization. The object thus becomes a bitmap for manipulation as such in Flexi Design.
Further reading: Understanding Vectors and Bitmaps
One major advantage of rasterizing is you can take a very complex design with lots of vector objects and effects and convert it into a single object. This makes it much easier for Flexi to handle. The downside is that the object will not be editable like a vector object again, and it is locked in to a specific resolution. You can use the Undo function to go back if you decide that the rasterization doesn't work, but otherwise there is no changing it back to a vector.
To rasterize objects:
- Select the desired objects.
- From the Bitmap menu, select Rasterize.
The Rasterize dialog box appears.
- Edit the following attributes:
| Keep Original | When checked, this option will preserve the original objects. The new rasterized image will be placed on top of the original objects. |
| Create mask | When checked, the shape of the new bitmap will be the same as the original objects. |
| Transparent | When checked, the background color of the bitmap will be transparent. |
| Resolution | Specifies the resolution of the new bitmap. Values can be selected from the dropdown list or typed into the Resolution field. |
| Color Mode | Specifies the color mode of the new bitmap. The available options are Black and White, Grayscale, Indexed Color, and RGB. |
| Margin | Specifies the amount of white space around the bitmap. This option has no effect when Create mask is selected. |
- Click OK. If the object is very large in size, this process can take a little while.
