Graphics can be designed in two formats, Vector and Raster. Unfortunately both can be saved in some of the same file formats, which can cause confusion. Sometimes you can’t tell which format it is by the type of file, you have to know the program it was created in.
Vector Art
Vector art is created by geometrically plotting lines and curves using mathematics. For instance, rather than saving the location of every point between two lines, vector art simply saves the starting point and ending point with instructions for the computer to calculate all of the points in between. This is good for two reasons: the computer files are very small, because the file does not contain all of the points in the line, only two, and you can blow these files up infinitely because the computer will simply add more points between the beginning and end points to make a smooth line. For this reason, most logos and text will need to be created in vector format to produce smooth lines and curves.
Vector art is most often produced in Common extensions: |
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An example of vector art with smooth lines. |
Raster Art
Raster art is the most familiar pixel art. Every dot on the print and its position and color are saved in the file. All photo graphic images, and computer manipulated images will be saved in raster format. The disadvantage to raster art is that when we increase the size of the image, the pixels get bigger and become more apparent. Raster art should be supplied at 150 DPI at the actual print size. Anything less and the pixels may become visible. A ratio of this is also acceptable (300 DPI @ 50% scale. Or 600 DPI @ 25% scale).
Raster art is most often produced in Common extensions: |
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An example of raster art. |
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The jagged edges are the problem we encounter |