What is ‘Raster’?
Also known as ‘Bitmap’. The most common image files such as .JPEG, .GIF and .PNG are all examples of a rasterised image. These are high in detail, and are how photos are made. If you zoom into the picture nice and close, you’ll begin to notice it breaking up into little square dots of varying colours – these are called the ‘pixels’ and these little squares allow for a great amount of colour; but alas, it means that if you want to blow the photo up to the size of a billboard, you’ll begin to lose quality.
What is ‘Vector’?
These files are what your professional printer and designer will ask for when it comes to logos. Files such as .EPS, .PDF and .AI are ‘vector’ files. Vectors are exactly the opposite of a ‘rasterised’ image. Instead of being made up of ‘pixels’ they are made up of smooth lines called ‘shapes’ and these shapes are made with ‘points’. Because there are no pixels involved, vectors contain less colours and hold a more cartoon like appearance. This means that they can be zoomed into and reduced infinitely without ever losing any quality.
Do you think your logo is rasterised?
If you only have a .JPG, .GIF or .PNG version of your logo, then you’re not alone. Some older companies may not have their vector file on hand since the bitmap versions are used more commonly. Vector files are only used for professional printing so if it has been a while since working with a professional printer then you may have misplaced it.
Raster files can be retraced by a professional designer into vector again. Just ask us if you need this service.