The vector file format is one of two main image types you’ll encounter (along with the raster file format) when working with digital photos, graphics, logos, and other imagery. Find out if vector files are the best option for you by discovering how they work, the different file extensions available, and their advantages and disadvantages for digital projects.
JT files
PRC files
MB files
Let’s take a step back before actually defining the vector file. When you work on any digital project, you’ll encounter two distinct types of image files — raster and vector. They’re formed in different ways and are better suited to some projects than others.
Raster files are composed of a fixed number of square pixels. This means raster files can become distorted if you resize them beyond the amount of space the pixels were meant to fill.
Vector images don’t use pixels. They’re created with mathematical equations, lines, and curves — using points fixed on a grid — which means images can be made infinitely larger (or smaller) without losing resolution. Basically, vectors don’t lose quality when resized.
At the same time, don’t confuse either raster or vector formats with RAW files, which are unaltered, uncompressed images made up of direct data taken from a camera’s sensors. All three offer their own specific advantages, disadvantages and ultimately, use cases.
The vector format is handy when you need high-quality graphics that can easily resize to different scales. Since they’re created using mathematical formulas, vector files won’t become fuzzy or distorted — no matter how large or small you make them.
So, what is vector typically used for? Digital illustrations and company logos frequently take this form if the graphic needs to be sized up or down for a variety of promotional materials. From bite-sized business cards to T-shirts and posters, a logo saved in vector format won’t lose its resolution.
The most common types of vector file are AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), PDF (Portable Document Format), and SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics).
There are both pros and cons to using vector images over the raster format.
Some of the major benefits of vector files include:
These are some of the disadvantages of using vector files:
While raster images like JPEG files can handle high-quality photographs, the vector format is better for graphic design, logos, and illustrations. Vector images are built through mathematical equations using points, lines, and curves — making them ideal for pristine pieces of digital artwork that can scale up or down for any type of use case.
Enlarge an image to a scale of around 200% using your desktop or phone screen. You’ll know it’s a vector image if the resolution stays intact, with clean edges and solid colors. Also, keep an eye out for the main vector file extensions — .AI, .EPS, .PDF, and .SVG.
Vector images are often saved as AI files to enable quick editing. These files are editable in Adobe Illustrator. Images saved in this format can also be converted to PDF files, allowing them to be edited in Adobe Acrobat and making them easier to print.
While you can technically create a logo in either a raster or vector format, many people prefer to use vectors. The vector file format means that you can use your logo at any size on a range of promotional materials, from business cards to websites to billboards. A raster file will become blurry and pixelated when scaled beyond its intended size.
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