Create your first bitmap

Prepare your source

1. Open an RGB document in Photoshop. Both 8-bit and 16-bit documents are supported.
2. Select one unlocked pixel layer containing your artwork.
3. Open Bitmap Helper PRO and choose the Layer workflow. Check that the selected layer name matches your source.
4. Choose Color artwork under Artwork type.

For a first exercise, choose a layer with a clear range of light and dark areas. Text, shape and smart-object layers need an appropriate pixel-layer source for this workflow.

Choose Halftone Screen

Select Halftone Screen from the method tabs. Set the screen frequency in LPI, its angle and dot shape for the result you want.

• Frequency / LPI: controls the screen’s fineness. A lower frequency produces a coarser pattern.
• Angle: sets the screen direction.
• Shape: changes the dot structure; start with Round for a straightforward comparison.

For this first conversion, keep the output resolution at the document’s PPI. There is no single LPI setting that suits every artwork or print process.

Keep the original colours

Under Output, choose Original Colors. The plugin creates a copy of the artwork with a bitmap mask. Density adjusts coverage without recolouring the artwork.

Choose Black instead when you want black output on transparency. Keep the settings simple for your first comparison.

Convert and review

1. Select Convert selected layer to halftones.
2. Let the conversion finish before starting another action.
3. Compare the generated output with your retained original layer.
4. Inspect the bitmap structure at 100% zoom, then review it at the size you intend to use.

At the same output PPI, a single-layer conversion adds output to the current document. A different output PPI creates a new document while preserving print dimensions and artwork position.

For a different look, adjust one setting at a time and convert from your original source again.