Save As SVG In Photoshop CS6: Easy Guide

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Hey guys! Ever wondered how to save your awesome Photoshop CS6 creations as SVG files? It's a pretty common question, and while CS6 might feel a bit vintage these days, it's still a powerhouse for graphic design. Saving as SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is super useful because it lets you scale your artwork without losing any quality. This is crucial for logos, icons, and anything else that needs to look sharp at different sizes. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how to make it happen in Photoshop CS6.

Why Save as SVG?

Before we jump into the how, let's quickly chat about the why. SVG is a vector format, which means it uses mathematical equations to define shapes, lines, and curves. Unlike raster formats like JPEG or PNG, which are made up of pixels, SVG files can be scaled up or down without becoming blurry or pixelated. This makes SVG ideal for:

  • Logos: Your logo needs to look crisp on everything from business cards to billboards, right? SVG ensures it does.
  • Icons: Similarly, icons need to be scalable for different screen sizes and resolutions.
  • Illustrations: If you've created a detailed illustration, saving it as SVG preserves all those fine lines and curves.
  • Web Graphics: SVG files are typically smaller than raster images, which means faster loading times for your website.
  • Animations and Interactivity: SVG can be animated and interacted with using CSS and JavaScript, opening up a world of possibilities for web design.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, SVG sounds amazing! Why isn't everything saved as SVG?" Well, raster formats still have their place, especially for photographs and images with complex color gradients. But for anything that's primarily made up of shapes and lines, SVG is the way to go. So, let's get into how you can actually save your work as SVG in Photoshop CS6.

The Not-So-Straightforward Truth About SVG in CS6

Here's the deal: Photoshop CS6 doesn't have a direct "Save As SVG" option like newer versions of Photoshop do. I know, bummer, right? But don't worry, there are still ways to make it work. We just need to take a slightly roundabout approach. Think of it as a fun little design challenge! The key is to use Photoshop's vector capabilities and then export your work in a format that can be converted to SVG. This might sound a bit technical, but trust me, it's totally doable, and I'm going to walk you through it step by step. So, buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get started on this SVG adventure in Photoshop CS6.

Method 1: Saving as EPS and Converting to SVG

Okay, so the first method we're going to explore involves saving your file as an EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) file and then using a separate tool to convert it to SVG. EPS is a vector format that Photoshop CS6 handles well, and it's a great stepping stone to SVG. Here's the breakdown:

Step 1: Create Your Artwork in Photoshop CS6

First things first, you need to create your design in Photoshop CS6. This is where your creativity shines! Remember, SVG is best for vector-based graphics, so try to use shapes, paths, and text layers as much as possible. Here are a few tips for creating SVG-friendly artwork in Photoshop CS6:

  • Use Vector Shapes: Photoshop has powerful shape tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, etc.) that create vector shapes. These are perfect for SVG because they can be scaled without losing quality. Avoid using raster-based tools like the Brush or Pixel Brush for elements you want to be scalable.
  • Work with Paths: The Pen tool is your best friend for creating custom shapes and paths. Paths are the backbone of vector graphics, and they're essential for SVG. Practice using the Pen tool to create smooth curves and precise shapes.
  • Use Type Layers: Text layers in Photoshop are also vector-based, which means they'll scale perfectly in SVG. Just make sure your fonts are properly licensed if you plan to use the SVG file commercially.
  • Minimize Raster Effects: While you can use raster effects like shadows and glows, keep in mind that these effects might not translate perfectly to SVG. If you need to use raster effects, consider rasterizing them as a last resort, but try to avoid it if possible.
  • Organize Your Layers: Keeping your layers organized will make the export process much smoother. Use folders to group related layers and name your layers descriptively. This will help you (and anyone else working with your file) understand the structure of your design.

Step 2: Convert Text to Outlines

If you've used text layers in your design, you'll need to convert them to outlines before saving as EPS. This turns the text into vector shapes, ensuring that the text looks the same regardless of whether the viewer has the font installed. Here's how to do it:

  1. Select the Type Layer: In the Layers panel, select the text layer you want to convert.
  2. Right-Click and Choose "Create Work Path": Right-click on the text layer and choose "Create Work Path". This will create a path based on the shape of the text.
  3. Right-Click Again and Choose "Convert to Shape": Right-click on the text layer again and choose "Convert to Shape". This will turn the path into a vector shape layer.
  4. Repeat for All Text Layers: Repeat this process for all the text layers in your design.

Step 3: Save as EPS

Now that your artwork is ready, it's time to save it as an EPS file. Here's how:

  1. Go to File > Save As: In the top menu, go to "File" and then select "Save As".
  2. Choose EPS Format: In the Save As dialog box, choose "Photoshop EPS" from the Format dropdown menu.
  3. Name Your File: Give your file a descriptive name.
  4. Click Save: Click the "Save" button.
  5. EPS Options: An EPS Options dialog box will appear. Here are some settings to consider:
    • Preview: Choose "TIFF (8 bits/pixel)" for the preview.
    • Encoding: Choose "Binary" for the encoding.
    • Include Vector Data: Make sure this box is checked.
    • PostScript Color Management: You can leave this unchecked unless you have specific color management needs.
    • Fonts: Choose "Include Fonts" if you want to embed the fonts in the EPS file (this is generally a good idea).
  6. Click OK: Click the "OK" button to save the EPS file.

Step 4: Convert EPS to SVG

With your EPS file saved, the final step is to convert it to SVG. There are several ways to do this, including using online converters and desktop software. Here are a few options:

  • Online Converters: There are many free online EPS to SVG converters available, such as Convertio, CloudConvert, and OnlineConvert. Simply upload your EPS file to the website, and it will convert it to SVG for you. These are great for quick and easy conversions, but be mindful of uploading sensitive files to online services.
  • Inkscape: Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that can open EPS files and save them as SVG. It's a powerful tool that gives you more control over the conversion process. Simply open your EPS file in Inkscape and then go to "File > Save As" and choose "Plain SVG" as the format.
  • Adobe Illustrator: If you have access to Adobe Illustrator, you can open your EPS file in Illustrator and then go to "File > Save As" and choose "SVG" as the format. Illustrator offers the most robust SVG export options, allowing you to fine-tune the settings for optimal results.

And there you have it! You've successfully saved your Photoshop CS6 artwork as an SVG file using the EPS conversion method. While it might seem like a few extra steps, it's a reliable way to get your vector graphics into SVG format. Now, let's explore another method that might be even easier for some designs.

Method 2: Using Photoshop CS6 as a "Helper" with Illustrator or Inkscape

This method is a bit more indirect, but it can be very effective, especially if you have access to Adobe Illustrator or the free and open-source Inkscape. The idea here is to use Photoshop CS6 for creating and refining your vector elements, and then copy and paste them into Illustrator or Inkscape for final SVG export. Think of Photoshop as your drafting table and Illustrator/Inkscape as your final production studio. Let's break down the steps:

Step 1: Create Your Vector Elements in Photoshop CS6

Just like in the previous method, you'll start by creating your artwork in Photoshop CS6 using vector shapes, paths, and text layers. Focus on building the core visual elements of your design. Remember the tips we discussed earlier about using vector shapes, working with paths, and converting text to outlines? They all apply here as well. The key is to create a solid foundation of vector-based elements within Photoshop.

Step 2: Copy and Paste into Illustrator or Inkscape

Once you're happy with your vector elements in Photoshop, it's time to move them over to Illustrator or Inkscape. This is where the magic happens! Here's how to do it:

  1. Select Your Vector Layers: In Photoshop, select the vector layers you want to copy. You can select multiple layers by holding down the Shift key while clicking on them in the Layers panel.
  2. Copy the Layers: Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac) to copy the selected layers.
  3. Paste into Illustrator or Inkscape: Open Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape (whichever you prefer) and create a new document. Then, press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the layers into the document.
  4. Paste Options: When you paste into Illustrator, you might see a Paste dialog box. Choose "Paste As: Pixels" if it pastes as a raster image. If this happens, try simplifying your Photoshop layers or merging some shapes before copying and pasting again.

Step 3: Refine and Export as SVG

Now that your vector elements are in Illustrator or Inkscape, you can refine them further if needed. Both programs offer powerful vector editing tools that you can use to adjust shapes, colors, and other properties. This is your chance to polish your design and make it pixel-perfect for SVG.

Once you're satisfied with your design, it's time to export it as an SVG file. Here's how:

  • In Illustrator: Go to "File > Save As" and choose "SVG" from the Format dropdown menu. You'll see an SVG Options dialog box where you can customize the export settings. Generally, the default settings work well, but you might want to experiment with options like "SVG Profiles" and "Font Subsetting" to optimize your SVG file for specific uses.
  • In Inkscape: Go to "File > Save As" and choose "Plain SVG" from the Save as type dropdown menu. Inkscape also offers several SVG export options, including "Optimized SVG," which can help reduce the file size of your SVG. Experiment with these options to find the best balance between file size and quality.

And that's it! You've successfully used Photoshop CS6 as a helper to create vector elements and then exported them as SVG using Illustrator or Inkscape. This method can be particularly useful if you're already comfortable working with these programs or if you need more control over the SVG export process.

Method 3: Exporting as PDF and Converting to SVG

Alright guys, let's explore another workaround to get those SVGs from Photoshop CS6! This method involves exporting your design as a PDF (Portable Document Format) and then converting that PDF into an SVG file. PDF is a versatile format that can handle both vector and raster graphics, and it's a common format for sharing documents. However, it's not inherently designed for web use like SVG, so we'll need to do a little conversion magic.

Step 1: Create Your Artwork in Photoshop CS6

Just like the other methods, we're going to start by crafting our design within the familiar environment of Photoshop CS6. Focus on utilizing vector shapes, paths, and text layers as much as possible. This is the foundation for a clean and scalable SVG. Remember, SVGs thrive on vector data, so the more vector elements you incorporate, the better the final result will be.

Think of your design in terms of shapes and lines. Can you create that logo using basic shapes and the Pen tool? Can you outline that illustration instead of painting it with brushes? These are the questions to ask yourself when designing for SVG export. The more you lean into vector techniques, the smoother the conversion process will be.

Step 2: Save as PDF

Now that your masterpiece is taking shape, it's time to save it as a PDF. This is a straightforward process, but let's walk through the steps to ensure we get the best possible output for our eventual SVG conversion:

  1. Go to File > Save As: In the top menu, navigate to "File" and then select "Save As". This will open the Save As dialog box where you can choose your file format and settings.
  2. Choose Photoshop PDF: From the Format dropdown menu, select "Photoshop PDF". This tells Photoshop that you want to save your design as a PDF document.
  3. Name Your File: Give your file a descriptive name that you'll easily recognize later. This is always a good practice for organization!
  4. Click Save: Once you've chosen the format and named your file, click the "Save" button to proceed to the PDF options.
  5. Adobe PDF Options: A new dialog box will pop up, giving you various options for your PDF. Here's a breakdown of the key settings to consider:
    • Adobe PDF Preset: This is where you can choose a preset based on your intended use. For SVG conversion, the "Illustrator Default" or "Photoshop Default" presets are generally good choices. These presets preserve vector data and font information, which is crucial for our goal.
    • Compatibility: Leave this at the default setting (usually Acrobat 6 (PDF 1.5)).
    • Options:
      • Preserve Photoshop Editing Capabilities: This option embeds the Photoshop data in the PDF, allowing you to reopen and edit the file in Photoshop later. It increases the file size but can be helpful if you need to make changes. For SVG conversion, it's generally safe to uncheck this option.
      • Embed Page Thumbnails: This option embeds thumbnails of your pages in the PDF, making it easier to preview. It's a small file size increase and can be useful, so you can leave it checked.
      • Optimize for Fast Web View: This option optimizes the PDF for online viewing, which can be helpful if you plan to share the PDF online. However, it's not essential for SVG conversion, so you can leave it unchecked.
    • Compression: This section controls the compression settings for raster images in your PDF. Since we're aiming for SVG, which is primarily vector-based, these settings are less critical. However, it's generally a good idea to use a lossless compression method like ZIP for any raster elements to preserve quality.
    • Fonts: Ensure that the "Embed Fonts" option is checked. This embeds the fonts in the PDF, ensuring that your text looks the same regardless of whether the viewer has the fonts installed on their system. This is crucial for accurate SVG conversion.
    • Security: Unless you have specific security requirements, you can leave these settings at their defaults.
    • Summary: This section gives you a summary of your PDF settings. Take a quick look to ensure everything is as expected.
  6. Click Save PDF: Once you're happy with your settings, click the "Save PDF" button to save your file.

Step 3: Convert PDF to SVG

With your PDF file safely saved, we're now ready to perform the final act of our conversion magic: turning that PDF into a glorious SVG! Just like with the EPS method, we'll need to enlist the help of a separate tool to accomplish this. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, both online and offline.

  • Online Converters: As we discussed earlier, online converters are a quick and convenient way to convert files. There are several reputable online PDF to SVG converters, such as Convertio, CloudConvert, and Zamzar. Simply upload your PDF file, choose SVG as the output format, and let the converter do its thing. These tools are great for simple conversions and when you need a fast result. However, remember to exercise caution when uploading sensitive files to online services.
  • Inkscape: Inkscape, the free and open-source vector graphics editor, is a fantastic tool for PDF to SVG conversion. It provides more control over the conversion process compared to online converters and is a great option if you want to fine-tune the results. To convert a PDF in Inkscape, simply open the PDF file in Inkscape, and it will import the pages as vector objects. You can then save the document as an SVG file.
  • Adobe Illustrator: If you have access to Adobe Illustrator, you can also use it to convert PDFs to SVG. Illustrator offers robust PDF import capabilities and gives you precise control over the conversion settings. To convert a PDF in Illustrator, open the PDF file, and Illustrator will import the pages as editable vector objects. You can then save the document as an SVG file.

Choosing the Right Method for You

So, we've covered three different methods for saving as SVG in Photoshop CS6. Which one should you choose? Well, it depends on your specific needs and resources.

  • Method 1 (EPS Conversion): This is a solid, reliable method that works well for most vector-based designs. It's a good starting point if you don't have access to Illustrator or Inkscape.
  • Method 2 (Photoshop as Helper): This method is ideal if you already use Illustrator or Inkscape for vector editing. It allows you to leverage Photoshop's design tools and then refine your artwork in a dedicated vector editor.
  • Method 3 (PDF Conversion): This method is a good option if you need to preserve complex layouts or if you're working with a mix of vector and raster elements. However, it might require more cleanup in the SVG editor.

Ultimately, the best way to find the right method is to experiment and see what works best for your workflow. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, so try them out and discover which one you prefer. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create awesome graphics!

Final Thoughts and Tips for SVG Success

Alright, guys, we've reached the end of our journey into the world of saving as SVG in Photoshop CS6. You've learned three different methods, and hopefully, you're feeling confident and ready to tackle your own SVG projects. But before we wrap up, let's go over a few final thoughts and tips to help you achieve SVG success.

  • Keep it Vector: SVG is all about vectors, so the more you can create your artwork using vector shapes, paths, and text, the better the results will be. Avoid relying too heavily on raster effects or pixel-based tools.
  • Simplify Complex Designs: While SVG can handle complex designs, simpler designs tend to result in smaller file sizes and better performance. If possible, try to simplify your artwork by reducing the number of shapes, paths, and gradients.
  • Optimize Your SVG: After you've converted your artwork to SVG, take some time to optimize the file. You can use tools like SVGOMG (SVG Optimizer) to remove unnecessary code and reduce the file size without sacrificing quality.
  • Test Your SVG: Always test your SVG files in different browsers and devices to ensure they render correctly. SVG support is generally good across modern browsers, but there can be subtle differences in how they interpret the code.
  • Learn SVG Code: If you're serious about working with SVG, consider learning a bit about the SVG code itself. This will give you a deeper understanding of how SVG works and allow you to fine-tune your files for optimal results.

And that's a wrap! You now have the knowledge and tools to save as SVG in Photoshop CS6. So go forth, create amazing graphics, and share your SVG creations with the world. Happy designing!