Photoshop

2.2 - Modifying an existing vector image

To modify an existing vector-based file (e.g. pdf, eps, ps, ai) so that it is RSC-compatible, perform the following steps:

1. Ideally, the first step is to crop your image in the program that originally created it, to remove unwanted space around the image. However, this is not essential - it just makes things simpler in step (ii).
2. From the "File" menu in Photoshop select "Open". Select the file you wish to modify, then click "Open". You will see a dialogue box like the one below. Make sure the "Anti-aliased" option is not ticked, and the "Constrain Proportions" option is ticked. Set the resolution to "600 pixels/inch" and select a suitable "Mode" setting ("Grayscale" for black and white images, or "RGB Color" or "CMYK Color" for colour images). If it was possible to crop the image as described in step (i), then enter the width you want your image to be (the height will adjust automatically). If it wasn't possible to crop the image as described in step 1, you will now have to estimate the width value you need to enter so that, once the image is cropped in PhotoShop, it is the required size. Remember: the final image should fit within a column width of either 8.3 cm or 17.1 cm. Click "OK". The image should now open.
   
   

   

   
   
3. If necessary, use the "Crop" tool to remove unwanted white space from around the image. Then, from the "Image" menu select "Image Size...". A window similar to the one below will appear. Make sure the "Resample Image" tick box is not ticked, and that the "Resolution" is set at "600 pixels/inch". The "Width" and "Height" boxes now show the size of the current image at 600 dpi (the resolution required by the RSC). Make a note of these values and then click "OK".
   
   

   

   
   
4. Examine your image. Remember, your final illustration should fit within and make good use of a column width of 8.3 cm (or 17.1 cm if double column width).
   
   
   • If the image is too large or too small, repeat steps 2 and 3 using a suitably adjusted "Width" value in step 2.
   • If the image is the correct size, proceed to step 5 below.         
    
5. From the "Image" menu select "Canvas Size...". A window similar to the one below will appear. Set the "Width" to "8.3 cm" (or "17.1 cm" for double column width) and the "Height" to "23.3 cm". Click "OK".