Vector artwork is built from paths and can scale cleanly. Raster artwork is built from pixels and has a fixed amount of detail. Both have useful roles, but they behave differently when enlarged or cut.

Side-by-side comparison of a smooth vector logo edge and a visibly pixelated raster logo edge when enlarged
Vector and raster logo enlargement comparisonVector paths stay smooth when enlarged. Raster artwork can reveal its fixed pixels when the source file does not contain enough detail for the finished size.Open full-size diagram ↗

Vector artwork

Logos, lettering, and cut shapes are usually best supplied as vector artwork. Common formats include AI, EPS, SVG, and some PDFs.

Raster artwork

Photographs and textured images are normally raster files such as JPG, PNG, TIFF, or PSD. The correct resolution depends on finished size and viewing distance.

A PDF is not automatically vector

PDF is a container. It can hold true vector artwork, high-resolution images, or a low-resolution screenshot. We inspect the actual contents before calling it production-ready.

Send photos for a recommendation based on your project

The right material and production method depend on the surface, location, size, expected life, and installation conditions.

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