The Difference Between Vector and Raster Files

Put your eyes to the test and check out the image above, see if you can spot the difference.

I know what you’re thinking, "Vector and raster files? What in the world is that?” To put it in plain words, vector files are lines, shapes, and colors that use a mathematical formula to create an image. While, raster files use pixels to create an image.

Why is this important? If you’re looking to get a logo from someone, it’s essential that you know you should be receiving a vector file. Vector files no matter how much you zoom in, will ALWAYS stay the same. You wouldn’t want to show your logo off and have pixels around it, now do you?

With that being said, will you accept a pixelated logo? “Absolutely not.” I hope you don’t. “So when is it okay to receive a raster file?” In photographs mainly or designs used for web ONLY. Raster files cannot be resized once you create it because the pixels fill up the size of the image. If you make the image bigger than what it is, expect to see blurred lines, no Robin Thicke.

Some people love creating logos in Photoshop and this is where they mess up. Photoshop is meant to edit photographs, it’s in the name. It strictly only produces raster files and there’s no going around it. ”So which program is ideal for vector files?” I’m glad you asked and it’s actually my favorite program called, Illustrator. Illustrator produces vector files which are clean, smooth, and optimal for logos, illustrations (it’s in the name), and graphics. Another program I want to introduce to you all is InDesign. Now InDesign is great for layout designs like; flyers, brochures, magazine covers, books, etc. Also known as publications, or how I like to see it as, anything that has to do with sharing information through text and images.

Why am I sharing this with you? Well just because you may or may not be a graphic designer, it doesn’t hurt to know what you’re actually asking for. Plus if you want to know if you have a good graphic designer on your hands, go ahead and ask them questions about this topic. A little bit of knowledge can take you a long way.