Vector Files
There are generally two types of images – vector and raster images.
Vector images are built from mathematically defined lines and curves. Vectors can be infinitely resized without losing any image resolution or quality. This makes vectors perfect for printing!
The most common vector file formats are AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated Postscript), SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), and PDF** (Portable Document Format). Raster images are more common and are made of a grid of pixels. Raster file formats include JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and BMP files.
**PDFs are typically vector files. However, depending on how the file is built, it can be a vector or a raster file.
Below you can see the difference between a vector PDF file and a raster PDF file. Click to enlarge if needed. The two files appear to be the same at 125% zoom. However, when zoomed in to 800%, the raster PDF begins to look pixelated or fuzzy, while the vector PDF still has defined, clear lines.
Click on the PDF links below to try it yourself. Hit the [+] icon at the bottom to zoom in on each file. Pay close attention to the curved areas.
This is a quick and easy way to check whether your PDF files contain vector or raster artwork!
