Vector vs. Raster Graphics Files

Vector Files

Vector files are made of mathematically drawn vectors. These files can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Your image edges remain crisp and smooth no matter how large you make a vector file. Logos and type for print should always be sent to design companies as vector files so that they can be blown up to the appropriate size without loss of clarity. If you send raster files to a design company, your graphics will probably be sent to you with pixelation. For this reason, you always want to send vector files to any design company.

Here are a few common vector file extensions: .eps, .ai, .ps.

Raster Files

Raster files are made up of colored pixels in the same way a mosaic is made of colored stones. Digital photographs are always raster files. Raster files are more difficult to enlarge. If image enlargement is needed, there will be a risk of pixelation, which is a very undesirable thing for graphics. I recommend raster files be sent at 100 dpi (dots per inch) or more at 100% scale (the actual size your graphic will be printed) when sending your files to any printing house or graphic design company in order to avoid this problem.

Here are a few common raster file extensions: .psd, .jpg, .tif, .bmp, .gif, .png

Documents created with PhotoShop, Paint, Fireworks, and similar programs are always raster files, which are not suitable for large format print work. It is always best to have a vector file whenever possible.