Raster vs Vector – What’s the Difference
How to tell the difference between Vector and Raster
Customers always ask. I have a logo, can you work with this? I ask what format is it? Is it raster or vector? Raster vs Vector – What’s the Difference? The customer doesn’t know the difference. How can you tell? The first way to tell is the file format. A vector file format is .ai, .pdf., .eps, and .svg. The customer has a jpeg file. That’s raster. A raster file is .jpg, .tif, .png, or .bmp. But what’s the difference between these files?
Here are 2 different logos.
These 2 logos look exactly the same! They are very different, though. The one on the left is raster, and the right one is vector. Let’s take a closer look.
Can you see the difference? Not really? Let’s get even closer.
The one on the left looks a little blurry. Here’s a big picture of the raster logo. Click on the image to see it larger.
Here’s a big picture of the vector logo. Click on the image to see it larger.
Raster images
Do you see the difference now? What are those little squares? What is a raster file? A raster file consists of individual pixels – usually a photo image, like a Adobe Photoshop file. When you zoom in really close, you see the little pixels. Why is this a problem? Raster images cannot be enlarged, and if they are low resolution, your logo will be illegible. It will be hard to modify and to change the colors.
Vector images
With a vector image, you can enlarge it 10 times, and it will still look the same. A vector file is usually created in Adobe Illustrator. With one click, the colors can be instantly changed. The logo can be added to any type of product easily- put it on a t-shirt, business card, or banner. The logo can be cut out on vinyl – make an instant window vinyl graphic! The possibilities are endless.
How is the logo vectorized?
I recreate using Adobe Illustrator by hand (I don’t use tracing programs or filters) Tracing programs are not 100% accurate, and it can lead to jagged lines. I use the pen tool to recreate it, allowing for smooth, accurate detail. It does take more time to do it, but you will appreciate your final product. Do you need a file vectorized? Stop by my Etsy store and I can help you out. Click here to see the listing.
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