Unfortunately, the provided context is insufficient to fully answer how to directly edit an Illustrator element from within Photoshop in a way that maintains vector properties and dynamically links back to Illustrator. Typically, you don't directly edit vector elements created in Illustrator within Photoshop. Photoshop is primarily a raster-based editor. However, there are ways to bring Illustrator elements into Photoshop and modify them, though the method depends on what you mean by "edit." Here's a breakdown of common scenarios and how to handle them:
Scenario 1: Bringing an Illustrator Element into Photoshop as a Smart Object (Preserving Vector Data)
This is the closest you can get to "editing" an Illustrator element within Photoshop while retaining some of its vector properties.
- In Illustrator: Select the element you want to bring into Photoshop.
- Copy: Copy the element (Edit > Copy, or Ctrl/Cmd + C).
- In Photoshop:
- Create a new Photoshop document or open an existing one.
- Paste: Paste the element (Edit > Paste, or Ctrl/Cmd + V).
- Paste As: In the Paste dialog box, choose "Smart Object" and click OK.
What happens now?
- The Illustrator element is embedded in Photoshop as a Smart Object. A Smart Object acts like a container for the original vector data.
- You can scale, rotate, and transform the Smart Object non-destructively within Photoshop. This means you won't lose image quality like you would with a regular raster layer.
How to "Edit" in this context:
- To edit the original Illustrator file: Double-click the Smart Object layer's thumbnail in the Layers panel. This will open the original Illustrator file in Illustrator.
- Make your changes in Illustrator: Save the Illustrator file (File > Save, or Ctrl/Cmd + S).
- The changes will automatically update in Photoshop: When you switch back to Photoshop, the Smart Object will reflect the changes you made in Illustrator. This is the key to maintaining a link between the two.
Limitations of Smart Objects:
- While Smart Objects preserve vector information for scaling and transformations, you can't directly edit the paths or anchor points within Photoshop. Photoshop treats it as a single image.
- You can apply raster effects, filters, and layer styles to the Smart Object in Photoshop, but these will be raster-based and will not affect the original Illustrator file.
Scenario 2: Bringing an Illustrator Element into Photoshop as Pixels (Rasterizing)
This converts the vector element into a raster image (pixels). It's simpler, but you lose the benefits of vector editing.
- In Illustrator: Select the element.
- Copy: Copy the element (Edit > Copy, or Ctrl/Cmd + C).
- In Photoshop:
- Create or open a Photoshop document.
- Paste: Paste the element (Edit > Paste, or Ctrl/Cmd + V).
- Paste As: In the Paste dialog box, choose "Pixels" and click OK.
What happens now?
- The Illustrator element is converted into a regular raster layer in Photoshop.
- You can edit it like any other raster image: paint, erase, apply filters, etc.
Limitations:
- Loss of Vector Properties: The element is now a bitmap image. If you scale it up, it will become pixelated.
- No Link to Illustrator: Changes made in Photoshop will not affect the original Illustrator file.
Scenario 3: Using Photoshop's Shape Tools (Limited Vector Editing)
Photoshop does have some basic vector shape tools (Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, etc.). You can create and edit simple vector shapes directly within Photoshop.
- Select a Shape Tool: Choose a shape tool from the Tools panel.
- Draw a Shape: Click and drag on the canvas to create a shape.
- Edit the Shape:
- Use the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow) to select and move anchor points.
- Use the Pen Tool to add or delete anchor points.
- Adjust the fill and stroke colors in the Properties panel.
Limitations:
- Limited Functionality: Photoshop's vector tools are far less powerful than Illustrator's.
- Best for Simple Shapes: This method is suitable for creating basic shapes, but not for complex Illustrator designs.
In conclusion, while you can't directly edit an Illustrator element within Photoshop while retaining full vector editing capabilities and a dynamic link, using Smart Objects provides the best workflow for preserving vector data and updating the element based on changes made in the original Illustrator file. The choice of method depends on your specific editing needs and the complexity of the element. If you need to heavily edit the paths and anchor points, stick to Illustrator. If you need to apply raster effects and filters, or incorporate the element into a larger raster composition, Photoshop is the better choice.
