Vector vs. Raster Images

Let's take a moment to discuss the difference between vector graphics and raster graphics. Most of our products require vector artwork to ensure a satisfactory imprint. Word processors, spreadsheet, or presentation applications, although suitable for creating files for office or Internet use, are not recommended for creating digital art for print. Microsoft Office applications are included in this group. However, in some cases such files may be converted so as to enable use.

Here are two examples of an image when magnified or scaled up. You will notice the difference in clarity between the vector graphic and raster graphic.

Vector Graphics

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Vector Graphics are typically generated using drawing or illustration programs (e.g., Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw) and are composed of mathematically-defined geometric shapes, such as lines, objects, and fills. Since vectors entail both magnitude and direction, vector elements are thus comprised of line segments whose length represents magnitude and whose orientation in space represents direction.

Vector graphics are easily modified within the creating application and are usually not affected detrimentally by scaling (enlarging or reducing their size). Because vector elements are mathematically-defined, scaling simply requires modification of their mathematical locations. However, vector files do not support photographic imagery well and can often be problematic for cross-platform exchange. Vector graphics are typically saved in EPS format.

Raster Graphics

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Raster Images are produced by digital image capture devices, such as digital scanners or cameras, or by pixel editing programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop). Raster images are composed of a matrix (grid) or bitmap of digital picture elements (pixels). Pixels are squares or rectangles described as black, white, gray, or color. Raster images are typically saved as TIFF format, but can be saved as EPS as well. Whereas conversion from vector to raster is easily accomplished, raster conversion to vector is much more difficult (and is often impossible, especially when converting fonts). Raster images are easily shared across various platforms, but can be more difficult than vector graphics to modify. Raster graphics are also impacted by scaling.