As a sign company, we sometimes receive artwork files from our clients. We offer design services for those that need help designing their signage, but we also can use your existing artwork to make your signs. However, the artwork that we receive from our clients is not always in the correct file format. For this reason, we want to explain raster images and vector images, with a little bit of detail. (In the image above, a small image has been blown up to demonstrate the main difference between a raster file and a vector file – scalability.)
RASTER FILES
Raster files are what most people are using when uploading pictures to Facebook, searching for images on the Internet, or just about anything else. Your digital camera, for example, takes photos that are raster files. They work in pixels that capture a framed image, where the number of pixels per square inch define the resolution of the image. Raster files can be scaled down, but can never be scaled up. When you scale a raster file up, the image distorts. If you have a small raster file, and you want to use it for a big sign, it won’t look good. If you have a very large raster file image, it might work, but it really depends on the image.
VECTOR FILES
Vector files are different than raster files in that their shape(s) are determined by mathematical equations. These equations calculate the various lines & curves that comprise a particular image. This is a great advantage to raster files when trying to scale an image up to a larger size. Typically, elements like logos and text are vector files, while photos are raster files.
As a business owner, it’s imperative to have your logo, and other important images, made in a vector format, becuase when you want to have a large sign made, or decide to wrap the company delivery van, you’ll need a vector file that can be scaled up.
Written by: Reflection Signs & Graphics
