1. Vector vs Raster: Which Artwork Format Should You Use for Print?

    One of the most common causes of poor print quality is using the wrong type of artwork file for the job. Specifically — using a raster image where a vector file should be used, and then wondering why the printed result looks blurry or pixelated at the required size. Understanding the difference between vector and raster artwork is one of the most practical and useful skills for anyone who creates or commissions print.

    In this guide, we explain exactly what vector and raster mean, how they differ and which one to use for different types of print artwork.

    What is a Raster Image?

    A raster image is made up of a fixed grid of individual coloured pixels — like a mosaic. The quality and detail of a raster image is determined by its resolution: how many pixels are packed into each inch of the image (measured in DPI — dots per inch). The more pixels per inch, the more detail and the sharper the print result.

    Common raster file formats include:

    • JPEG (.jpg)
    • PNG (.png)
    • TIFF (.tif)
    • PSD (Adobe Photoshop)
    • BMP (.bmp)

    The critical limitation of raster images is that they have a fixed resolution. When you enlarge a raster image beyond its original size, you're stretching the existing pixels — the image becomes blurry and pixelated because you're not adding new pixel information, just making existing pixels bigger. This is why a logo saved as a small JPEG looks sharp on screen but blurry when placed large in a print document.

    For print, raster images need to be a minimum of 300dpi at the final printed size. See our guide: Understanding DPI for Print

    What is a Vector Image?

    A vector image is made up of mathematical paths — lines, curves and shapes defined by coordinates and equations rather than pixels. Because vector graphics are defined mathematically rather than as a grid of pixels, they can be scaled to any size — from a tiny favicon to a building-sized billboard — with no loss of quality whatsoever. A vector logo printed on a business card looks exactly as sharp as the same logo printed on an A0 exhibition banner.

    Common vector file formats include:

    • AI (Adobe Illustrator)
    • EPS (.eps)
    • SVG (.svg)
    • PDF (when containing vector data)

    Vector graphics are created in vector editing software — primarily Adobe Illustrator. They cannot be created by saving a raster image in a vector format — a JPEG saved as an EPS is still a raster image inside a vector container and will not scale without quality loss.

    Key Differences at a Glance

    • Scalability — vectors scale to any size with no quality loss; rasters degrade when enlarged beyond their native resolution
    • File size — vector files are typically small regardless of the complexity of the image; raster files can be very large at high resolution
    • Best for — vectors: logos, icons, illustrations, typography; rasters: photographs, complex imagery with gradients and photographic detail
    • Editing — vectors are easily edited — colours, shapes and text can be changed without quality loss; raster edits are destructive — once you've reduced size or quality, you can't get it back

    When to Use Vector Files

    Always use vector files for:

    • Logos — a logo in vector format will print perfectly at any size, from a 5mm favicon to a 5-metre exhibition banner. A logo as a JPEG or PNG will print blurry at large sizes. This is the single most important practical application of vector artwork in print
    • Icons and symbols — any graphic element that needs to reproduce cleanly at multiple sizes
    • Typography as design elements — headlines, display text and typographic logos created in Illustrator
    • Illustrations and line art — clean, precise illustrations with defined lines and flat colours
    • Spot UV and foil layers — embellishment artwork must be supplied as vector shapes. See our guide: How to Design Business Cards with Spot UV

    When to Use Raster Files

    Raster files are appropriate for:

    • Photographs — photographic images are inherently raster. Ensure all photographs are at least 300dpi at the final printed size
    • Complex gradients and photorealistic imagery — detailed colour transitions and photorealistic illustrations are better handled as raster images
    • Textured backgrounds — photographic or hand-rendered textures used as background elements

    For most print projects, the finished artwork file is a combination of both — vector elements (logo, typography, icons) combined with raster elements (photographs, textured backgrounds) in a single document. Adobe InDesign and Illustrator handle both seamlessly.

    How to Check if Your Logo is Vector

    The quickest test is to zoom in significantly in your design software. If the edges remain perfectly sharp regardless of zoom level, it's vector. If the edges become jagged or blurry as you zoom in, it's raster.

    Alternatively, check the file format. AI, EPS and SVG files are vector formats. JPEG, PNG and GIF files are raster. PDF files can contain either vector or raster data — check by zooming in.

    What If I Only Have a Raster Logo?

    If you only have a JPEG or PNG version of your logo and need a vector version, the options are:

    • Ask your designer — if a designer created your logo, they should have the original vector AI or EPS file. Request it
    • Commission a redraw — a graphic designer can redraw your logo in Illustrator from your raster original, creating a clean vector version
    • Use auto-trace with caution — Illustrator's Image Trace function can convert simple raster logos to vectors automatically, but results vary in quality and complex logos often require manual cleanup

    Artwork Setup Summary

    Print Your Artwork with Confidence at Dipol Print

    Dipol Print produces print for businesses across Brighton & Hove and the wider UK. Not sure if your artwork is set up correctly? Get in touch with our team before you submit — we're happy to check your files. Collect from our print shop at 97 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1TP or order online for UK-wide delivery.