Raster vs Vector Files
When working with digital photos, graphic design, logos, and other digital images, raster and vector are the two most common file types. Here is an overview of each file type.
Raster Files:
Raster files are images built from pixels — tiny color squares that, in great quantity, can form highly detailed images such as photographs. The more pixels an image has, the higher quality it will be, and vice versa. The number of pixels in an image depends on the file type. Examples of Raster files are JPG, GIF, and PNG
- Limited resolution.
Unlike vector images, raster files don’t maintain their resolution when resized. Their colors and details can distort when enlarged, reducing the number of ways you can use these images.
These types of files are for digital use on websites, social media channels. blogs and other online media. THEY ARE NOT USUALLY USED FOR PRINTING PURPOSES.
Vector Files:
Vector files use mathematical equations, lines, and curves with fixed points on a grid to produce an image. There are no pixels in a vector file. A vector file’s mathematical formulas capture shape, border, and fill color to build an image. Because the mathematical formula recalibrates to any size, you can scale a vector image up or down without impacting its quality.
Digital illustrations and company logos frequently take this form if the graphic needs to be sized up or down for a variety of promotional materials. From bite-sized business cards to T-shirts and posters, a logo saved in vector format won’t lose its resolution.
The most common types of vector file are AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), PDF (Portable Document Format), and SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics).
So if you are printing business cards, brochures, posters, or preparing ad specialty items or embroidered shirts you’ll want to use Vector files.