What is the difference between a vector file and a raster file?
To the untrained eye, all images are the same except for the subject that they’re depicting. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that there can be significant differences, especially when it comes to the file type of the image.
And these differences are more than just academic. If you’re dealing with digital graphic files, then it’s imperative that you know when and how each should be used. For instance, while a vector file and a raster file might seem broadly similar, that’s not the case. There are key differences that impact how they can be used.
If you’re ready to take a deep dive into all that’s different (and similar) between vector files and raster files, then you’re in the right place. On this page, we’ll outline their differences, the pros and cons of each, how to convert a raster file to a vector file, and when you should use each.
The Difference Between a Vector File and a Raster File
You’ll have a host of file options at your disposal when you’re working with digital images. Vector files and raster files are two of the most popular file types that you’ll come across. They both very much have their place in the world of digital images, but that doesn’t mean that you can use either and expect the same results. To get the most from your digital images, you’ll need to know which file type is most appropriate.
First up, let’s go through the primary difference between vector files and raster files.
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Vector file images are made using curves and paths via mathematical formulas.
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Raster file images are made using pixels.
That’s a key difference that impacts how you can use the images. For instance, since raster file images are made using pixels, it’s generally not possible to significantly change the size of the image without compromising some quality. If you use our free design service, we’d ask that you send your logo and artwork to us as a vector file (preferably in an EPS, SVG, or PDF format), since that makes it easier to play around with the size of the images.
Let’s run through some of the key differences between vector and raster files.
Resolution
Vector files and raster files can look the same if the raster file is shown in its correct sizing. Issues arise when you try to resize the images. Vector files are useful because you can resize them without any loss of quality — whether you make them three times bigger or three times smaller, the clarity of the image will remain intact.
But you can’t do that with raster files. While these types of images can look great in their original sizing, they can’t be resized. If you do, then you’ll lose resolution quality.
Uses
Just because raster files can’t be resized, that doesn’t make them a “bad” image file type. For some uses, raster files are the preferred way to go because of the quality that they provide.
If you use a digital camera, it’ll most likely save to your computer as a raster file. As such, the vast majority of images that are used on the web are raster files.
Vector files are the go-to file type for images made using computers, such as logos and graphics. Since they can be resized without any loss of quality, you’ll typically find them used for printed images. If you wanted to produce a standout 3x3 Custom Printed Marquee, it would be a vector file that you’d use, since that file type could easily be scaled up to the necessary size without diminishing the image.
Size of File
There can be a big difference between the size of vector and raster files. Raster files hold millions of high-quality pixels, and that naturally requires more space. Vector files, by contrast, are generally pretty small, since they only need to contain the mathematical equations that can produce the image.
If you have a lot of large raster files, then it’s recommended to use an online compressor to reduce the size of the files. It’ll help to make sharing and storing the files more manageable.
Accessing the Files
Raster files are more common than vector files. As such, your computer will almost certainly be able to automatically open a raster file without the need for special software. All standard photo applications support raster files, along with many browser photo websites, too.
However, the same cannot be said for vector files. You’ll need to have special software to open the file, especially if you want to edit the image, too.
Let’s take a look at the file types of both vector and raster files. This can help you to determine what type of image file you’re dealing with.
Raster Files
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.jpg
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.gif
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.bmp
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.tiff
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.png
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.psd
Vector Files
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.svg
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.ai
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.eps
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.ps
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.emf
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.dae
Understanding Vector Files
As we mentioned above, unlike raster files, vector files are not made up of millions of tiny pixels. They’re made up of lines and curves produced by mathematical equations. Though the designs tend to be more simplistic than raster files, they’re easy to scale. The image will look the same even if you made it 1000 times bigger.
Understanding Raster Files
Raster files are images made from millions of detailed pixels. The highest quality photographs can contain a billion or more pixels. While these images can contain exceptional levels of detail, it’s generally not possible to easily resize them. As such, raster files typically aren’t used for printing unless they can be printed in their original size.
The Pros (And Cons) of Vector Files
Vector files have a key advantage over raster files, and that’s that they’re scalable. You can blow up a vector image as big as you’d like, and the image will still look exactly the same.
Also, because they have much smaller file sizes, they’re easy to store and share. You’ll often find vector images printed on products, since whether you’re using the image on a feather banner or a keyring, the image will look exactly as it’s supposed to.
So what’s the downside? Vector files are typically not as good for detailed, colourful imagery. You can resize a vector image to whatever size you want, but the image will also look more simplified than raster files. In addition, you’ll need to have specialist software to open/edit vector files.
The Pros (And Cons) of Raster Files
Raster image files are made up of small, detailed pixels, which makes them great for displaying complex images. If it’s a complex image that has a wide range of colours, then raster files will surely be your best bet. Plus, raster files are generally much more common than vector files, so you won’t need any special software to open the files. All the main image file types, such as .jpg and .png, are raster files.
The downside of raster files is that you can’t scale them up. Well, you can, but the image will quickly lose quality. Even making the image slightly bigger can result in a level of pixelation that makes the image unusable.
How to Convert a Raster File to a Vector File
Designers should know how to properly convert a raster file to a vector file, but it’s not necessary if you’re just looking to make a quick conversion. If there are online websites that can convert your files from raster to vector (or vector to raster) via a simple drag-and-drop method.
If you’re planning to use our free design service, in which we’ll provide a virtual mock-up of your order with your logo on your chosen product, then it’s best to send us your logo/artwork as a vector file.
Are Raster Files or Vector Files Better?
It wouldn’t be right to choose between raster files and vector files. Neither is inherently “better” than the other. It all comes down to what they’re being used for — for some projects, you’d use raster files; for others, you’d use a vector file.
If you’re looking to create some promotional products for your business, such as branded earbuds or USB swivel, then vector files will be the way to go. You can have confidence that if you send your logo or artwork as a vector file to us here at Promo Superstore, we’ll be able to work with it.
Raster files are best kept for when you need highly detailed images that don’t have to be resized.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it! As we’ve seen, there are some big differences between vector files and raster files. Ultimately, the most relevant difference is the resizing issue. You can make vector file images infinitely larger or smaller without any loss of quality, which can’t be said for raster files.
Have a vector image that you’d like to see on the front of a promotional product for your brand? Check out our collection here, or give a member of our team a call at 1300 673 420 to learn more about how we can help you.
