What is a vector graphic??

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Often when I tell my clients they need to use a vector graphic for large signs....they say "Huh?". Let me explain. There are two types of graphics....a vector graphic and a raster(bitmap) graphic. A raster graphic is an image that is consisted of pixels....like a photograph or an image that might have airbrushing or shadow effects...basically it has texture to it. A vector graphic is a line image that can really be scaled to any size without losing its clarity.


Vector art is ideal for printing. Since the art is made from a series of mathematical curves it will print very crisply even when resized. A low-resolution raster graphic would blur or pixelate excessively if it were enlarged from business card size to billboard size. 


A raster graphic when resized is like silly puddy....it blurs when made bigger!!


So I know what you are saying.....why in the world are you telling me this nonsense!! Well if you are having someone design your logo and you know that you want to put this on a billboard or large vehicle wrap....you might want to tell your designer up front that you want this to be a Vector Graphic and not a Raster!!


Remember that each application has its uses....and both file formats are useful when used correctly!!


**There is a way to convert a Raster (Bitmap ) Graphic to vector....check out a later post!


Check out my website for more information at www.robertcipolla.com