Raster images are pixels (JPG/PNG/TIFF). They’re perfect for photos but blur when enlarged.Vector images are paths and shapes (math) (SVG/AI/EPS/PDF). They’re ideal for logos, icons, and text and scale infinitely with crisp edges.
Raster vs Vector at a Glance
| Feature | Raster | Vector |
| Built from | Pixels (grid) | Paths: points, lines, Bézier curves |
| Best for | Photos, textures, gradients | Logos, icons, type, line art, diagrams |
| Scaling | Loses sharpness when enlarged | Infinite—stays perfectly crisp |
| Edit style | Pixel edits; resolution-bound | Shape/color edits; resolution-free |
| Typical formats | JPG/JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, PSD | SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, CDR, DXF |
| Print behavior | Needs enough DPI/PPI at size | Ideal for spot color, large format |
| Cutters (vinyl/laser/CNC) | Not suitable | DXF/SVG with closed paths |
| File size | Grows with resolution | Compact for flat art |
What is a Raster Image?
A raster graphic stores color on a pixel grid. Quality is tied to resolution; upscaling beyond the original size creates blur or stair-stepping.
Use raster for
- Photography and complex textures
- Web banners/hero images (optimized PNG/JPG/WebP)
- Realistic shading/effects
What is a Vector Image?
A vector graphic uses math-defined paths (fills, strokes, curves). It remains editable and scales to any size—perfect for brand assets.
Use vector for
- Logos, icons, badges, type-driven designs
- Line illustrations, maps, schematics, packaging dielines
- Cutter-ready art for vinyl/laser/CNC (DXF/SVG)
File formats with examples (PNG, JPG, SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, DXF)
When to choose vector vs raster (decision tree)
| Raster formats | Vector formats |
| JPG/JPEG – small, lossy;great for photos. PNG – lossless; supports transparency, ideal for UI/overlays. GIF – simple animations; limited color. TIFF – print-friendly, large; high fidelity. PSD – Photoshop working file. | SVG – web/UI and many cutters; tiny, scalable, accessible. AI – Illustrator working file (layers/artboards intact). EPS – legacy print/signage; widely accepted. PDF – can contain vector + raster; excellent for proofs/print. CDR – CorelDRAW file common in signage/engraving. DXF – exchange format for lasers/vinyl/CNC; requires closed paths. |
When to choose vector vs raster (decision tree)
- Is it a photo?
→Raster. Export JPG/PNG/WebP at the size required. - Is it shapes/text (logo, icon, badge, diagram)?
→ Vector. Create/convert to SVG/AI/EPS/PDF. - Will it be cut on vinyl/laser/CNC?
→ Vector. Use SVG/DXF with closed, duplicate-free paths. - Will it be printed at multiple sizes (card → billboard)?
→ Vector master + raster exports as needed. - Brand colors must be exact?
→ Vector with CMYK/Pantone (spot colors).
Printing, web, and cutter workflows that actually work
Print & Signage
- Send PDF/EPS/AI for vector art; outline text; expand strokes if required.
- Photos must meet DPI at final size (often 150–300 DPI).
- Use CMYK or spot/Pantone for color-critical jobs.
Web & Apps
- SVG for logos/icons (crisp, tiny).
- JPG/PNG/WebP for photographs and backgrounds.
- Add aria-label to meaningful SVG icons for accessibility.
Laser/Vinyl/CNC
- Clean DXF/SVG with closed paths, consistent units (mm/in), no duplicates; simplify tiny details and test a small cut.
Convert raster to vector (and vector to raster)
Raster → Vector (vectorization)
- Open the raster in a vector editor (Illustrator/Inkscape).
- For brand assets, trace manually with the Pen/Curvature tool (auto-trace only for simple shapes).
- Clean up nodes; fix corners/joins; rebuild text; map colors to Pantone/CMYK.
- Export SVG/AI/EPS/PDF (and DXF for cutters).
Short on time? [Image-to-Vector Conversion] — human-powered tracing with revisions until it’s right.
Vector → Raster (exports)
- Choose target pixel dimensions.
- Export PNG (transparent) or JPG (photos).
- Generate 2× versions for retina/high-DPI screens if needed.
Common myths & pitfalls
- “Saving JPG as EPS makes it vector.”: It only changes the container; it’s still pixels. You must rebuild as vector.
- “Auto-trace is fine for logos.”: It often creates wobbly curves and node bloat. For brand marks, use manual vectorization.
- “Printers can fix it later.”: Maybe—at extra cost/time. Deliver vendor-ready files to avoid delays.
Pre-flight checklists
Vector (logos/line art)
- Smooth curves; minimal nodes; correct joins/miters
- Text outlined (and keep a live-text version for edits)
- CMYK/spot for print, sRGB for web/SVG
- Expand strokes if the vendor requires pure shapes
Raster (photos)
- Correct DPI at final size
- Embedded color profile (sRGB web, CMYK if printer requests)
- Avoid over-compressed JPG artifacts
Cutters (DXF/SVG)
- Closed, duplicate-free paths; consistent units
- Simplify micro details; test a small cut first
FAQs on Raster vs Vector Images
Is PNG raster or vector?
PNG is raster (pixel-based) but supports transparency.
Is PDF raster or vector?
PDF can be either (or both). Open in Illustrator and use Outline view to check for real paths.
Which is better—raster or vector?
Use vector for logos/icons/line art and raster for photos and complex textures.
Can I convert a low-res logo to vector?
Yes—by rebuilding it. That’s exactly what we do at VectorWiz: clean, editable AI/EPS/SVG/PDF (and DXF on request).
What do printers prefer?
Usually PDF/EPS/AI for vector jobs; high-DPI TIFF/JPG for photos. Always ask about outlining text and color mode.