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Artwork Requirements - Raster vs Vector Art

What's the difference between raster and vector art?

When dealing with digital images like photos, graphic design, logos, and other visuals, you'll come across two main file types: raster and vector. Educate yourself on their key attributes, similarities, and distinctions to make informed decisions on their usage.

What is a raster file?

Raster files consist of pixels, which are small color squares that combine to create detailed images like photographs. Image quality is determined by the number of pixels; more pixels mean higher quality. The pixel count varies based on the file type.

Although we prefer vector files, we can use raster files if the quality is high enough. We suggest a resolution of 300 dpi at the size the file will be reproduced for best results. If your file is not clear enough, we do offer logo redrawing services.

Raster file types include: jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp, tiff, psd, and SOME pdf files. (If you zoom in and the edges are ragged, it's probably a raster file.)

What is a vector file?

Vector files rely on mathematical formulas instead of pixels to create images. They define lines, curves, and fixed grid points to capture shapes, borders, and fill colors. Because these formulas adjust dynamically to any scale, you can resize a vector image without any loss of quality.

Vector file types include: ai, eps, svg, and SOME pdf files. (If you zoom in and the edges are crisp, it's probably either a vector file or a raster file with high enough quality it will work well with our processes.)

What is resolution?

One key difference between raster and vector files is their resolution. A raster file's resolution is measured in DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch). When you zoom in or enlarge a raster, the individual pixels become noticeable.

Raster files show a wider array of colors — but lose quality when resized. To distinguish between raster and vector, enlarge the image. If it appears blurry or pixelated, it's likely a raster file.

Vector image files ensure resolution is never a concern. They allow for endless resizing, re-scaling, and reshaping without any loss of quality. They also are best for engraving or color printing, allowing us to easily tweak colors to ensure great contrast and color reproduction.

 

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