Raster or Vector Images: Which Should You Use?

You’re getting graphics designed or have been asked to produce files ready for printing. Which file format should you choose: raster or vector?  As Dunedin printers and signwriters, we’re here to share our wisdom on the differences between raster and vector files, to help you decide.

Choosing Between Raster or Vector Image Files

There are two types of graphic image files: vector and raster. Let’s look at the key differences between each of them.

Vector images:

• made with many different little lines and curves, joined together to create a picture
• designed using many mathematical calculations or paths
• always looks smooth when enlarged
• best suited to graphics that are created, such as logos, letterheads and fonts
• flexible and easy to resize
• have smaller file sizes
• common formats include AI, EPS, SVG and PDF
• can be edited in software such as Illustrator, CorelDraw and InkScape
• must be rasterized before using on the web, except for SVGs

Raster images:

• made with pixels, not lines
• each pixel has its own colour
• best suited for scanned artwork, detailed graphics or digitised photographs
• when enlarged, they look jagged and rough, as the individual pixels become visible
• not easily editable or resized
• have large file sizes
• available in common formats of TIFF, GIF, PNG, BMP and JPEG
• slower to display and print
• are also known as bitmaps
• are edited in software such as Photoshop and GIMP
• the higher the number of pixels per inch, the better quality of the image

When choosing between raster or vector files, the ultimate decision rests with the graphic itself. If it is a digital photo, then raster is what is is. But for a created graphic - such as a logo or font - then a vector file is what you ultimately need.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Vector & Raster Graphics:

Advantages of Vector Graphics

• a path can be created to be followed by a knife or cutting tool, so we can cut shapes on our cutter or router.
• the file size is typically smaller

Disadvantages of Vector Graphics -

• It's harder to create highly detailed images

Advantages of Raster Graphics

• They have the advantage of allowing high detail and smooth, graduated blends of colour

Disadvantage of Raster Graphics

• They are not as scalable as a vector file due to pixilation when the image size is increased

Will Your Print Job Need a Raster or Vector Image?

In order to do your print job, we’re going to need the files from you. The file type we need will depend on the job you are having printed and the finish you require. We are able to convert vector images into raster images - but not the other way around - so if in doubt, just get in touch and ask.

Will Your Sign Job Need a Raster or Vector Image?

Most likely, yes, we will need a vector image for a sign job. That's because signs are usually big - and vector images will give you a better quality result at size. The closer the image is to be viewed, the better the image resolution needs to be - if the image is to be viewed from a distance the file resolution can be lower (for example, the image resolution of photos on billboards is well under the 300dpi we typically recommend!). If you don't have a vector image (i.e. you've typed something up in Microsoft Word and want that on a sign) that's okay, we can create a file that'll work for what you need. Flick us an email with your requirements or call in and we can discuss what you need.