Vector Graphics vs. Raster Images

When setting up your print-ready files, you may wonder what type of images or graphics you should include for your artwork. Do you go with vector graphics or include raster images? Brandly converts your uploaded PDF file into an editable and sharable template - ready to be ordered by or for everyone on your team. Since the main benefit of using Brandly is to make it fast and easy to order "on-brand" prints, it's crucial to ensure that your file is prepared correctly.

Vector Graphics

Vector images are graphic elements made up of points and lines that remain smooth no matter how large or small the image is scaled. Vectors are primarily used for illustrations, icons, and logos. Vector graphics can be straight lines or they can employ Bézier Curves - a parametric curve with a set of discrete "control points" to define a smooth, continuous curve by means of a formula.

The vector image on the left is made of smooth continuous curves and points.

Many logos are created from geometric shapes and letterforms.

Raster Images

Images can depict anything, from a simple geometric shape to a full-color photographic image. Sometimes, raster images are referred to Bitmaps, or simply image files. The key to working with raster images is having enough pixels available to render a high-quality image. Shoot for 300 to 600 DPI at actual size.

Photographs are examples of raster images but some logos and illustrations can be made as bitmaps as well depending on the use case

This illustration demonstrates the difference between scaling the original size star image as a vector on the left or a raster on the right. Raster images become pixelated if they don't have adequate resolution.