All Artwork Is Not Created Equal

Often there is some confusion when it comes to client supplies artwork. Raster versus vector – what are they and which one is preferred for the processes at hand.

Almost always vector artwork is the preferred file type but a better understanding of the differences and advantages between the two file types is necessary.

Raster artwork are images created by pixels (dots) such as found in photographic files or very complex artwork containing gradients or shadows. When a raster image is created the resolution is determined by it’s ‘DPI’ (dots per inch). The higher the DPI the better the image quality. So consequently when a 5” x 5” image is created at 300 DPI and enlarged to 10” x 10” the dots enlarge as well and become more noticeable and you end up seeing a very jagged (and fuzzy) edge instead of nice crisp lines on objects. Changing or manipulating colors is difficult as well and requires software capable of photo editing.

Raster images work well involving printed material at the size and resolution in which they were created. Raster graphics are best suited for rich, full-color images such as photographs and are superior when handling shading and gradients.

Some common raster files types are:

.jpg is Joint Photographic Experts Group – Sometimes displayed as .jpeg – this raster image format is best for displaying photographic images on web browsers.

.tiff is Tagged Image File Format – Sometimes displayed as .tif – Raster image format best for high-resolution photos.

.png is Portable Networks Graphics – Raster image format best for displaying simple images and supports transparency

.psd is Photoshop Document – is a layered image file used in Adobe PhotoShop. A proprietary file that allows the user to work with the images’ individual layers even after the file has been saved.

.gif is Graphics Interchange Format – Raster image format best for simple images made up of solid colors with no gradients.

.bmp is Bitmap Image File – a raster graphics image file format used to store bitmap digital images, independently of the display device.

Vector Artwork are images created by a defined set of points creating lines and curves. This means that the elements of the artwork can be manipulated (size, shape, color, etc.). When it comes to being able to make an image larger or smaller without any loss in quality, the vector image is undoubtedly the superior format maintain its crisp appearance.

 For most processes vector artwork is preferred. Typically vector art files are significantly smaller in size when compared to raster files.

Some common vector file types are:

.ai is Adobe Illustrator – Default file type of Illustrator, a popular vector-based program.

.eps is Encapsulated Postscript – Vector file which can be opened outside of Illustrator.

.pdf* is Portable Document Format – Self-contained document which preserves vector images as well as fonts or graphics needed to display correctly.

.cdr is CorelDRAW – Default file type of CorelDRAW, a popular graphics design program.

.svg is Scaleable Vector Graphics – XML-based vector image format supported by modern web browsers.

*It should be noted that not all PDF’s are created equal. Whether or not the PDF contains vector artwork is dependent on several factors. i.e. the program that created it, the settings when saving, etc.