Saving and Printing Vector Data in a Raster File

Photoshop allows you to create vector shapes and vector type with the Pen tools, Shape tools, and Type tools. Technically, the vector shapes are clipping paths applied to a bitmap, or raster, layer. But the clipping path is still a vector path, thereby retaining vector qualities. This vector data is resolution independent, which means that it will print at the resolution of the PostScript output device. Photoshop sends the printer separate images for each type and shape layer, which are printed on top of the raster image and clipped by using their vector paths. The edges of the vector path print at the full resolution of the PostScript printer, but the contents, such as the colored pixels or the image pixels within the vector path, print at the resolution of the Photoshop file (all portions of the type are resolution independent). Therefore, type and shapes will always have crisp, hard edges, with curves appearing smooth and never jagged.

Remember that the only file formats that will allow you to retain vector data are PSD, PDF, DCS, and EPS. When saving to PDF, DCS, or EPS, be sure to select the Include Vector Data option in their respective Options dialog boxes. All other file formats will rasterize the vector data. When you print the file, be sure to choose File-->Print with Preview. Then in the Print with Preview dialog box, select the Show More Options check box, select Choose Output from the pop-up menu, and select the Include Vector Data option.