Rasterizing

Rasterizing

Q1:	What is rasterizing?
A1:	Rasterizing really means "to turn into pixels." Type layers and Shape layers both use vectors to describe their contents, meaning you get high quality and scalability. Raster layers are those containing pixels (which are not as scalable). Rasterizing is the process of converting vectors to raster layers made of pixels.
Q2:	When should I rasterize a Type layer?
A2:	Many functions can be completed without rasterizing type, such as color , layer effects, clipping masks, and some transformations. If you can complete the operation without rasterizing, do it! If the "cancel" symbol appears as your cursor, that tells you the operation cannot be done to a Type layeryou must rasterize the layer. I suggest that you duplicate the Type layer (Command-J [PC: Control-J]) and then rasterize the copy. That way, you still have a Type layer you can edit should you need to. To rasterize a Type layer, go to the Layer menu and choose Rasterize>Type. Or Control-click (PC: Right-click) on the layer's name in the Layers palette and choose Rasterize Type from the contextual menu.
Q3:	Is there a quick way to rasterize type?
A3:	Sure, instead of going to the Layer menu, you can also Control-click (PC: Right-click) on the layer's name and choose Rasterize Type from the contextual menu.