An easy start guide for editing your purchased or downloaded vector files in Adobe Photoshop.

Vector files are fantastic for many projects, but how do you edit them to suit your design? Sometimes you need to modify, transform or adjust these files, so they are right for you. If you’re not familiar with vectors, this can seem a little scary, and that is why I have created this easy start guide. If you’ve purchased files from my Creative Market store or downloaded them from the internet, let me guide you through the process of editing digital vector art in Adobe Photoshop. 

A vector image is a computer graphic which is formed by lines and shapes. Generated using mathematical formulas a vector is scalable to any size without losing quality (don’t worry, you don’t have to do the math). If we compare a vector to a photograph or raster file when scaled, the difference is visible. That is why vector files are an excellent option for graphics because they can suit projects large and small.

Editing a vector file in Adobe Photoshop is relatively easy. While Adobe Illustrator is recommended, Photoshop can modify vector files, as long as they are in a .pds format and using shape layers. If your vector image is in .ai or .eps, there may be complications in opening the file or rasterising occurring. 

For this guide, we will be using Donut Vector as the example file. You may download and use the vector file for training purposes only. 

To begin our journey on learning to edit vector art in Adobe Photoshop, we need to start at the beginning and go over a few basics. Firstly, you need to locate your downloaded files. It’s always a good idea to keep them organised, for example, you might have a folder called assets or vectors.

Step 1: Open the file ending in .psd in Adobe Photoshop

When you open your vector file for the first time, you may see a screen similar to below. In this example, I have used the Essentials workspace view in Adobe Photoshop CC 2019. You can adjust your workspace by going to Window > Workspace and selecting your preferred setup. 

Step 2: Save As (optional)

If you are working with a vector you have downloaded, it’s a good idea to save the file as another name, so you still have the original. You can do this by going to File > Save As and enter the new name. Make sure that the format is in Adobe Photoshop (PSD).

Step 3: Viewing Layers

By clicking on the Layers panel, you can see all of the layers associated with the vector. The layers are important because they contain all of the shapes that form the image. Layers can be single shapes or grouped to include several shapes. Hopefully, the creator of the vector has labelled the layers to make it easier for editing. 

Step 4: Disabling or enabling Layers (optional)

If you decide you would like to disable a particular layer, you can click on the eye icon next to a layer. To enable the layer again, you can click in the same space, and the eye will appear again, to show the layer is visible. 

Step 5: Clipping Masks (optional)

A clipping mask is a shape that reveals only select parts of layers. In the layer Clipping Mask: Shadow the darker shadow is clipped to the donut shape. Layers that are clipped will only show what is visible in the masked area.

Step 6: Saving Your File

You must save your file through the editing process, so you do not lose any changes. To save, all you have to do is go to File > Save.

The Undo and Redo options in Adobe Photoshop allow you to go backwards or forwards on modifications you have made. Additionally, the History tool enables you to select specific points of revision.

To undo or go backwards you can click on Edit > Undo.

To redo or go forwards you can click on Edit > Redo.

🗒Note: Depending on the changes you have made the Undo and Redo options may have Move, Color or other options beside them. This simply shows what form of modification was completed.  

The History Tool allows you to select specific points in time that you can return to. This is an excellent option if you have made numerous changes and want to go back to an earlier stage. 

🗒Note: The History Tool will only show changes made on the current time you have been editing. For example, if you made changes and closed Photoshop if you open the file again, the previous changes will not be in History. 

Layers can be grouped in Adobe Photoshop to include all of the shapes that complete a specific design element. Grouping layers allows you to control all layers within the group and makes it easier to move, scale, rotate and move. You can group and ungroup layers depending on your preferences and the project demands. 

Grouping contains all layers together. 

🗒 Note: In this video example file, I have ungrouped all of the layers to show the grouping process. In the downloadable file, the layers are grouped.

Ungrouping releases layers that were previously grouped.

Modifying colours in Adobe Photoshop allows you to change the fill or stroke of a particular shape to suit your needs. Adjusting the colours of the vector can be done by a single shape or multiple selections. 

Changing a fill colour on a single layer shape is achieved through layer selection.

If you need to change the colour of multiple layers, you can do this by selecting numerous layers at the same time. 

🗒Note: This will only work in changing all of the selected shape layers to the same colour. 

Strokes can add defined outlines to a vector and are easily applied and edited.  

🗒Note: If you are setting a stroke for the first time, you may find that it is not visible if applying to a layer with a fill. Make sure you go to the stroke options and change to centre or outside. 

Resizing, moving and rotating vectors in Adobe Illustrator allows you to control the size, positioning and angle for your design.

Resizing a vector enables you to change the scale or size of the layers or group you select. It’s important to remember if we want to resize the whole image that all the grouped layers are selected or that Auto-Select Group is chosen in the move tool. 

🗒Note: If your vector uses strokes, you may have to adjust the size of the stroke to fit the scale.

Resizing the image allows you to change the dimensions of the file and canvas you are working on. The size is commonly measured in pixels (px). 

🗒Note: The dimensions you choose will affect the size of the file. For example, if you choose 6000 x 6000 pixels, the size of the file will be significantly larger than 600 x 600 pixels. Additionally, some artists have restrictions on the size that vector files can be scaled too. Make sure you read the full terms before using a vector. 

Moving a vector allows you to control the position of the layers or groups within the artboard. 

Rotating a vector enables you to turn specific layers or groups. 

Adding and Editing Text in Adobe Photoshop gives you the power to personalise your design. You’re only limited by your imagination and your font library. 

Adding text to your design allows you to emphasise your message. In this example, I have used the font Arial, which should be available on most PCs and Macs. 

Editing text allows you to send the correct message that suits your project. You can change words, modify fonts, colour and more. 

🗒Note: Some vectors will have outlined fonts, meaning you can not customise or edit the text. If that is the case, you may have to search online for the font (or one similar). Not all fonts are free, and some have specific licensing agreements. Always make sure you read the description before downloading. 

Adding and editing a background colour in Adobe Photoshop allows you to create a design that suits your project perfectly.

The quickest and easiest way to add a background in Adobe Photoshop is to create a new fill layer.

When you save your file, it will do so in the Adobe Photoshop (.psd) format. To use the image on print or screen, we need to convert it to a different format. The type of format you choose will depend on what your project requires. The most common is JPG or PNG. 

When you have finished all of your edits, it’s now time to export your design. 

Throughout this tutorial, we have looked at the many ways you can edit digital vector art in Adobe Photoshop. Vectors are an incredible asset to a range of design projects, and so many incredible designers share their work. I hope that you will now be able to make any modifications with ease and have your latest project ready to roll!

If you need help, please get in touch, and I will do my best to assist you. Leave a comment on this post or reach out via the contact form. Alternatively, you can reach me Twitter (@up) or Facebook (Kassandra O’Shea). 

I do not work for or have any association with Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Inc. This guide has been created to assist others in using Adobe Photoshop. 

Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 on Mac was used for the examples in this guide. Layouts of other versions of the software may look slightly different. 

This document was last updated on the 17th of November 2019 and is for information purposes only. Please do not redistribute in part or full without written permission. 

Make sure you read and follow the license agreement on any downloaded vector files or fonts, in case of any restrictions on editing, sizing, medium or usage.