What is the difference between vector and raster images?
In short
A vector image is drawn from paths and shapes, so it stays sharp at any size. A raster image is a grid of pixels, so it turns soft or jagged if it is printed bigger than its resolution allows.
Vector and raster are the two ways images are stored. Vector graphics, such as SVG, EPS and AI files and many PDFs, describe shapes mathematically, so the same logo can go on a business card or a roller banner without losing sharpness. Raster images, such as JPG, PNG and TIFF files and every photo from a camera or phone, are a grid of pixels with a fixed amount of detail.
Which to use
| Content | Best format | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Logos, icons and text | Vector | Edges stay crisp at any size |
| Photographs | Raster, at 300dpi at the printed size (150dpi on large items) | Photos are made of pixels |
| Flat-colour illustrations | Vector where you have it | Clean edges and smaller files |
Common problems
A logo copied from a website is usually a small raster file. It may look fine on screen but print with soft or stepped edges, which shows most on stickers and business cards, where people look closely. Ask your designer for the vector original.
Saving a raster image as an SVG or PDF doesn't make it vector: the same pixels are simply placed inside the new file. Equally, a vector logo placed in a design and then exported as a JPG becomes raster. Export your finished artwork as a PDF to keep vector text and logos sharp.
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