Vectors can be converted back to raster information in two ways. Either create selections of vector objects and then work with the selected areas on raster layers; or render the vector information directly to raster layers using selected brushes.

Selecting a vector shape

Vector Shapes can be converted into selections, which is very useful for making complicated masks or selections and can be a quicker alternative to using the Lasso Tool.

To create a mask from vectors

1. Create a vector layer and draw a vector shape on it.
2. Go to Vector Menu > Select Area. A selection of the shape will be created.
   
   
   
3. Add a spot layer, activate it and fill the selection. 

Rendering a vector shape

Vector shapes can be translated to spot layers by rendering them. Information is translated to a raster layer by effectively tracing the vector objects with the selected brush. This new information can then be edited and manipulated as a normal raster layer.

1. Add an 8 bit spot layer.
2. Activate the spot layer and a vector layer which has some active vector objects on it.
   
   
   
3. Choose a brush in the Brushes Palette.
4. Go to Vector Menu > Render and from the side menu, select Standard Brush or Standard Brush.

       Standard Brush - using a standard brush mark to trace the vector shape
       Morphing Brush - uses the Morphing Brush settings to trace the vector shape
   
   

   The selected shapes on the active vector layer will be rendered with the selected brush mode on the active spot layer. The snapshot below shows a render using the Standard Brush mode, with a simple round brush active in the Brushes Library
   The snapshot below shows a render using the Morphing Brush mode.
   

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   Note: The results using the Morphing Brush mode are really exciting, because they depend entirely on the settings you have in the Morphing Brush Tool. We strongly recommend you experiment with this.

   The snapshot below shows a render using the Standard Brush mode, but using a more interesting brush mark.

   
   

5. Make the vector layer invisible to see the full effect, or delete it if the information is no longer needed.