As a graphic designer with over 25 years of experience in the print industry, I want to take the time to explain this to you so that you are informed and can make qualified decisions about your artwork.
Every image you use lives in one of two worlds: raster or vector. They’re built differently, used differently, and if you pick the wrong one for the job, you’ll get fuzzy print, jagged logos, or color headaches.
What “Raster” Really Means - Photos & Rich Detail
Raster images are made of pixels — tiny colored squares that form a full image. Think photos and anything with shading, gradients, or natural detail.
Common file types: JPG/JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, WEBP, PS
Where Raster Works: websites, social media, digital ads, and photography.
Where Raster Fails: logos, large signs, or anything that needs to be enlarged.
When you stretch a raster image beyond its resolution, it pixelates and loses clarity. A small logo that looks fine online can look terrible on a banner or brochure.
What “Vector” Really Means - Logos & Clean Edges
Vector artwork is made from math-based paths, not pixels. This means it can scale from a business card to a billboard and stay perfectly crisp.
Common file types: SVG, EPS, PDF (vector), AI, CDR
Where Vector Works: logos, icons, line art, signs, vehicle wraps, embroidery, vinyl cutting, and Cricut-style projects.
Where Vector Fails: photographs and images with detailed shading — those belong in the raster world.
Quick Cheat Sheet to Help You
Logos → Vector. Your local printer will thank you.
Photos → Raster. Web, social, and photography prints.
Big signage → Vector. Clean edges at any size.
Web graphics with transparency → Raster (PNG or WEBP).
Embroidery / vinyl / engraving → Vector.
Easy way to remember: Raster = Digital Images; Vector = High-End or Printed Images.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong One
- Blurry or jagged print results (raster logo scaled too large).
- Chunky edges on signage or shirts.
- Color mismatches from screen (RGB) vs. print (CMYK).
- Delays and added cost to have your artwork rebuilt correctly.
Clearing Up Misconceptions About Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW
Different software is built for different kinds of work.
Photoshop (and similar programs) are designed for raster images — photo retouching, digital images, and web graphics.
Illustrator and CorelDRAW are for vector design — logos, layouts, technical illustrations, and anything that needs precision and scalability.
Neither replaces the other. Photoshop can’t create true vector artwork, and CorelDRAW or Illustrator aren’t meant for deep photo editing. The right tool always depends on the job.
When You Only Have a JPG or PNG Logo
If your only logo file is a small JPG or PNG, it isn’t print-ready.
I can recreate it as a vector file, making it scalable and clean for all uses — web, print, embroidery, or signage.
Once rebuilt, you’ll have the proper file formats to hand off to any vendor without worry.
How I Help My Clients Get It Right
- I check resolution to ensure nothing prints soft or blurry.
- I confirm the right color mode (RGB for screen, CMYK or Pantone for print).
- I prepare vector logo files (EPS, PDF, or SVG) for vendors.
- I export web-optimized raster files so they load quickly and look sharp.
- I package everything neatly so you always have the right file for the right use.
Quality Artwork Uses the Right Types of Files
- Use raster for photos and digital images.
- Use vector for logos, signage, and anything that needs to print clean and professional.
If you’re ever unsure, I’ll make sure your artwork is ready for the job. Simply contact me and let me know what you need.