---
type: faq
title: "What does it mean to rasterize a file?"
description: "Rasterizing converts vector shapes or live effects into a fixed grid of pixels. It locks the appearance in place, which is useful for complex effects, but"
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-does-it-mean-to-rasterize-a-file
tags: ["Printing Terms Glossary", "faq"]
timestamp: 2026-07-20T18:54:40.856Z
---

# What does it mean to rasterize a file?

Rasterizing converts vector shapes or live effects into a fixed grid of pixels. It locks the appearance in place, which is useful for complex effects, but

Part of the **Printing Terms Glossary** hub. See [all faq concepts](index.md).

- Page type: faq
- Hub: Printing Terms Glossary
- URL: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-does-it-mean-to-rasterize-a-file