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Design Toolkit

Preparing Files for Production

Raster vs. Vector

Last edited 538 days ago by Adam Doll

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What is raster artwork?

Raster refers to an image composed of pixels on a grid. Raster graphics are measured in Pixels Per Inch, or ppi.

Raster images have a fixed amount of colour and resolution information.

If you scale up a raster image (e.g. 100% to 200%, the size of the pixels increase and the image quality decreases.

Alternatively, as you scale down raster images (e.g. 100% to 50%), the size of the pixels decrease and the image quality increases.

Common raster file type include JPG, PNG, TIFF, and GIF.

Recommended resolution for digital printing - files built to 100% scale, as outlined in this

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What is vector artwork?

Vector in graphic design refers to a scalable object defined by mathematical formulas, or paths. Paths are drawn using corner and curved point to get clean corners and smooth curves of any shape.

Vector are not defined by pixels on a grid, making them resolution independent.

Vectors can be scaled to any size without losing their image quality.

Vectors are most ideal for production files and large format printing because of their scalability.

Common vector file types include EPS, PDF, Ai, and CDR.

EPS (Encapsulated Postscript) - is highly recommended as it works with all design software. File extension is .eps

PDF - is a common document file type that may contain vector files. PDF is generally the best option for print files as most RIP software is built using Adobe PDF Print Engine.

Ai, CDR, & AFDESIGN - are software specific vector file types. Ai files originate from Adobe Illustrator, CDR files originate from CorelDraw, and AFDESIGN files originate from the Affinity software suite. These files are generally not interchangeable between different programs.

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