When you’re sending through your logo or other graphics for printing, signage, embroidery, or any kind of design work, you’ll often hear the phrase:
“Can you please send that as a vector file?”
But what exactly is a vector file – and why does it matter?
Vector Files vs. Regular Image Files
Most everyday images (like photos or screenshots) are raster images. These are made up of tiny squares called pixels. Formats like JPG, PNG, or GIF fall into this category. Raster images look great on screens, but when you enlarge them, they can become blurry or pixelated – that’s because you’re stretching those tiny squares.
Vector files, on the other hand, are made up of mathematical paths – not pixels. That means they can scale up to any size without losing clarity. Whether it’s printed on a business card or a billboard, a vector logo stays perfectly crisp.
Common Vector File Formats
Here are the most common types of vector files you’ll come across:
.AI – Adobe Illustrator file (the industry standard)
.SVG – Scalable Vector Graphic (ideal for web and digital use)
.PDF – Sometimes vectors are embedded in PDFs, as long as they haven’t been flattened or converted to images
Why Designers and Printers Need Vector Files
When we’re creating or producing something with your logo – whether it’s signage, uniforms, or print materials – we need a file that can:
Scale to any size without losing quality
Have editable colours, shapes, and text
Be easily converted for cutting, engraving, or embroidery
Raster files (like JPG or PNG) simply can’t do that.
How to Tell if You Have a Vector File
A few quick tips:
If your file ends in .ai, .eps, or .svg, that’s usually a vector.
If it’s .jpg, .png, or .gif, it’s not a vector.
If you’re unsure, open the file and zoom in – if the edges stay sharp and clean, it’s probably a vector.
Don’t Have a Vector Version?
If you only have a raster version of your logo (like a JPG), don’t worry – we can usually recreate or convert it into a vector file. This process is called vectorisation or logo redraw, and it ensures you have a high-quality version ready for any future use. PLEASE NOTE – additional fees may apply.
