Our system validates files for a number of technical requirements when your content is uploaded. If you received an upload error that reads: “Your vector contains either pixel based bitmap objects or raster effects (“fx”). Remove these effects or objects and upload your file again,” use the information below to help you fix the issue.
Vectors submitted to Shutterstock must be saved down to an EPS 8 or EPS 10 format. Bitmapping can occur when files that contain pixel-based effects and certain transparency techniques are saved to an earlier version of Illustrator. These kinds of effects and techniques may not be compatible with EPS 8 or 10 formats and can appear as bitmaps in your saved-down EPS file.
Common raster effects that often result in bitmaps include:
Transparencies
Opacity Masks
Drop Shadows
Gaussian or Radial Blurs
Avoid using raster effects altogether by finding alternative methods that will produce the same results, as in the examples below:
Unacceptable Example: Shadow created by using the drop shadow effect
Acceptable Example: Shadow created by using the gradient tool
In the image examples above, using the gradient tool (bottom) instead of a drop shadow effect (top) can produce the same visual effect without the risk of bitmapping. The shadow created with the gradient tool (bottom) would be an acceptable effect.
How to Check for Raster Effects in Adobe Illustrator:
Check the Links panel
Go to Window > Links to make sure the Links panel is visible.
If any bitmapped effects are listed in the Links panel, select each and click the “Go to Link” option. This will directly locate the object in your workspace.
Once the bitmapped effect is located, delete it. This will remove it from the list in the Links panel, as well.
Tip: The Appearance panel can be used to confirm whether a selected object has a raster effect applied to it.
We Recommend
Before submitting a vector illustration, ask yourself:
Did I use any raster effects in my file? If so, what non-raster based effects can I use to create a similar effect?
After saving down to EPS 8 or 10, did I reopen the file as a final check? Are there any bitmaps present in the Links panel that appeared after saving down?
Helpful Resources
(may not be available in all supported languages)
If you don’t understand the reason for the rejection of your images or if you need additional clarification, you can always contact contributor support.