What is a vector image?
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Imagine taking a postage stamp and stretching it until it was big enough to print on a billboard? It’s going to look awfully pixelated and blurry, maybe even morphing into an unrecognizable blob. Same with that low-resolution JPG of your logo you sent us. That’s why we often ask for vector file formats of logos when working on any kind of project, but especially something large-scale like billboards or vehicle wraps. There are several different types of vector image files (EPS, SVG, and AI to name a few), but they all share one important characteristic. Instead of being made of a finite number of individual pixels at a predetermined physical size like raster images (think JPG, PNG, or GIF), vectors are made using infinitely scalable points, lines, and shapes. Because the graphics are based on the mathematics of coordinate geometry, they can be shrunk to fit on that postage stamp or blown up to be plastered on that billboard without losing any of their trademark crisp lines and legibility.
If you never have to worry about resolution with a vector image, why would you ever use anything else? With geometric points and curves as the basic building blocks, vectors are best for images that are graphic in nature—think logos, infographics, illustrations, etc. Your beloved airbrushed glamour shot needs thousands of pixels to perfectly capture that winning smile and Aqua Net-cemented ’do. Points and lines won’t suffice, unless you’re going for that Picasso cubism look. Raster images are necessary for photographs and painterly illustrations to capture real-life essence and subtle color and shapes. Often vector logo files are subsequently exported as JPGs, PNGs, or GIFs for use in other applications. You need a raster image to drop into your presentation deck or your letterhead because these office software solutions often don’t support vector files. But you always need to keep your vector logo files on hand so your customers don’t have to squint to make out your company’s name on that 48 foot long billboard.