More about PCX to SPI (Image converter)

PCX to SPI: Converting PCX Files to Photoshop Shapes (SPI) Format

PCX (Picture Exchange) and SPI (Photoshop Shapes) are two image formats that serve very different purposes in digital graphics. PCX is a raster image format primarily designed for early personal computers, used for simple images like icons and graphics. SPI, on the other hand, is a vector-based format used within Adobe Photoshop for storing scalable, editable shapes. Although PCX is based on pixels and SPI on vector paths, converting from PCX to SPI can be highly valuable for certain design workflows. In this article, we will explain the process of converting PCX files to SPI format and why this might be important for graphic designers and digital artists.

What is PCX?

PCX, or Picture Exchange, is an older image format created by ZSoft Corporation in the mid-1980s. It was commonly used with the PC Paintbrush software and became one of the earliest widely adopted formats for personal computers. PCX files are raster-based, meaning they store image data in a grid of pixels, each of which has a specific color or grayscale value. The format supports different color depths, ranging from black and white (1-bit) to 24-bit color images, but it is most often associated with simpler graphics, such as small images, icons, or low-resolution graphics. Although PCX is not as widely used today, it is still important for accessing legacy image files or when working with older software that relies on this format.

What is SPI?

SPI, or Photoshop Shapes, is a vector format used by Adobe Photoshop to store editable vector shapes that can be resized without losing quality. Unlike raster images, which are made up of a grid of individual pixels, vector images are constructed from paths defined by mathematical equations. These paths can represent lines, curves, and shapes, making SPI ideal for storing logos, illustrations, icons, and other elements that require flexibility and scalability. Since vector graphics can be resized infinitely without degradation in quality, SPI files are widely used for professional graphic design and illustration work in Photoshop.

Why Convert PCX to SPI?

While PCX and SPI serve different purposes, there are several situations where converting a PCX image to SPI format could be beneficial. Here are some reasons why a designer might want to convert PCX to SPI:

• Vectorization of Raster Images: If you have a PCX file that you want to convert into an editable vector shape, converting it to SPI allows you to work with the image as a scalable vector graphic, which is ideal for resizing and editing without loss of quality.
• Better Scalability: As a raster format, PCX loses quality when resized, especially if the image has a low resolution. By converting it to SPI, you can maintain sharpness and clarity at any size since vector graphics are resolution-independent.
• Improved Editability: Vector shapes in SPI format are much easier to manipulate than pixel-based images. With SPI, you can modify the shape, color, and other attributes without worrying about pixelation or resolution limitations.
• Reuse in Photoshop: Once the PCX file is converted into an SPI shape, you can reuse and edit it easily in future projects within Photoshop, streamlining your workflow and saving time.

How to Convert PCX to SPI

The process of converting a PCX file to SPI involves turning the raster-based image into a vector-based one, which can then be used in Photoshop as a scalable shape. Here are the steps you need to follow to convert PCX to SPI:

1. Open the PCX File in a Vector Editing Program

To begin, you’ll need a vector editing program like Adobe Illustrator, which allows you to convert raster images into vector graphics:

• Open Adobe Illustrator (or another vector editing software).
• Navigate to “File” > “Open” and select the PCX file you want to convert.
• Click “Open” to load the PCX file into the software.

Once the image is opened in the vector editing program, you can proceed with tracing the raster image to convert it into vector paths.

2. Trace the PCX Image

Now that the PCX image is in your vector editing program, you can trace it to convert the pixel-based image into vector paths:

• Ensure the PCX image is selected in Illustrator.
• Go to the “Window” menu and open the “Image Trace” panel.
• Choose a preset that matches the style of your image (e.g., “Black and White Logo” for simple images or “High Fidelity Photo” for more detailed images).
• Click the “Trace” button to convert the raster image into vector paths.

After tracing, you may need to adjust settings such as the level of detail, the number of colors, or the smoothing of the paths, depending on the complexity of your PCX image.

3. Expand the Traced Paths

Once the image is traced into vector paths, you need to expand them to turn them into fully editable shapes:

• Click on the traced image to select it.
• Go to “Object” > “Expand” in the top menu.
• In the Expand dialog box, make sure that both “Object” and “Fill” are selected, then click “OK.”

This action will convert the traced paths into editable vector shapes.

4. Save the Vector Path as an SVG File

At this point, you’ll save the vector paths as an SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) file, which is compatible with Adobe Photoshop:

• Go to “File” > “Save As” and choose “SVG” as the file format.
• Give the file a name and click “Save.”
• In the SVG Options dialog box, choose the appropriate settings for the file and click “OK.”

5. Open the SVG File in Photoshop

Now that you have the vector shapes saved as an SVG file, you can open this file in Photoshop for further manipulation:

• Launch Adobe Photoshop and select “File” > “Open.”
• Locate and open the SVG file you just saved from Illustrator.

Photoshop will import the vector paths from the SVG file and display them as a shape layer that you can edit.

6. Convert the Paths to Photoshop Shapes (SPI)

After importing the SVG file, you can now convert the paths into Photoshop Shapes (SPI), which is the native format for storing scalable shapes in Photoshop:

• Right-click on the shape layer in the Layers panel.
• Select “Convert to Shape” from the context menu.

This will convert the imported vector paths into editable Photoshop Shapes, which are stored in SPI format.

7. Save the File as Photoshop Shapes (PSH)

Finally, to save the Photoshop Shapes for future use, you need to save the file as a Photoshop Shapes (.PSH) file:

• Go to “File” > “Save As” and choose “Photoshop Shapes” (.PSH) as the file format.
• Give the file a name and click “Save.”

Now your vector shapes are saved as a reusable Photoshop Shapes file that you can access and use in future design projects.

Conclusion

Converting a PCX file to SPI format involves turning the raster image into a scalable vector shape that can be edited in Photoshop. This process requires tracing the image in a vector editing program like Illustrator, exporting it as an SVG file, and then importing it into Photoshop to convert it into a Photoshop Shape (SPI). By converting PCX images to SPI format, you gain the benefits of scalability, editability, and flexibility, allowing you to use these shapes in various design projects with ease. While the conversion process can be time-consuming, it ultimately provides a more efficient and high-quality way to work with older PCX images in modern design workflows.