Changing Art Modes

Whether a layer is a bitmap or a vector layer is decided when creating it. However, it is also possible to change the art mode for an existing layer.

If you convert a vector layer to a bitmap layer, the artwork will not be immediately converted, but it will be automatically flattened and rasterized into a single bitmap image if you make any modifications to your artwork using drawing tools.

If you convert a bitmap layer into a vector layer, the existing bitmap artwork will become a single drawing object, which you will be able to manipulate with the select tool or cutter tool, but which you won't be able to draw over, erase or repaint. However, you can convert it to a vector rectangle with its artwork as its texture using the Convert Drawings to Match Layer Type command. It will still not be possible to edit the actual artwork, but you will be able to draw or erase over it, as well as tweak the contour of its canvas.

If you want to actually vectorize a bitmap layer's artwork into vector outlines, see Vectorizing Bitmap Artwork.