Vector vs Raster Graphics: What’s the Difference?

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Vector vs Raster Graphics: What’s the Difference?

If you are confused about the differences between most image file types, you are not alone. When starting a project, the first thing we ask the client is a vector file with their logo. However, the request often comes with a blank look or “Can’t you pull the logo off my website?” Such responses. As a marketer, it is essential to understand the importance and role of different image file types to ensure your brand is properly represented and communicate better with designers, developers and printers.


Vector files, made up of points and lines to create paths, can be scaled up and down without losing quality. Constructed using mathematical formulas rather than individual colored blocks, vector file types such as AI, EPS, CDR, SVG and PDF are makes vector files the best format for graphic assets such as illustrations, icons and company logos, as the same file can be used for designs ranging from a mobile app to a large billboard without sacrificing quality or increasing file size.

Probably the most common example of vector-based files that we use daily without even realizing are font files. Each letter that you type is a vector graphic. You can increase text size or zoom in as much as you want and fonts will still remain clear when viewed online or in standard editable formats such as Word documents.

Although most online graphics are still raster-based, the introduction of vector-based SVG files allows elements like logos, illustrations and icons to be used in apps and web development. This will be an important factor moving forward with responsive site designs, as layouts and design elements are adjusted to fit various screen sizes and resolutions like retina displays.


Raster images are made up of many tiny squares called pixels and are often referred to as ‘bitmap’ images. When zoomed in closely, the individual pixels can be observed. The resolution of a raster file is referred to as DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (points per inch), and is the main determining factor for increasing file size. JPG, PNG, GIF and TIFFs are common raster image types.

Essentially all digital photography is raster-based. Most graphic files found online are also raster-based and saved for a screen resolution of 72 DPI, a larger file size is usually required for use in printed material where the standard resolution is 300 DPI.

High resolution or low resolution?



Various image file extension types and best use for each

Typically you can distinguish between raster and vector formats by looking closely at the edges of graphic elements like text and logos. File extensions will also suggest which category a file will fall under, though there are always exceptions to the rule.

Vector Types

AI Adobe Illustrator File


Best use = Creating logos, graphics, illustrations.

EPS Encapsulated PostScript File


Best use = Master logo files and graphics and print designs.

CDR CorelDRAW Image File

A CDR file is a drawing (or vector image) created with CorelDRAW, a vector illustration and page layout program. It contains a document that contains text, lines, shapes, images, colors, and effects. CDR files are used to create various types of documents such as letters, brochures, tabloids, envelopes, postcards, web pages, and web banners.

Best use = Creating logos, graphics, illustrations, banners and stationary

SVG Scalable Vector Graphics File


Best use = Adding vector graphics to the web, printing format

PDF Portable Document Format File


Best use = Shareable web document, forms creating, good printer support file

DFX Drafix CAD File

3D CAD document created with Drafix QuickCAD or Drafix Professional CAD; contains 3D objects and symbols used for creating home layouts and other designs.

Best use = 3D objects and home layouts designs

INDD Adobe InDesign Document

An INDD file is a professional page layout project created with Adobe InDesign. This is a vector based program, meaning that it uses a mathematical grid to map artwork and the artwork is scalable, meaning that you can resize the file as small or as large as you want without losing the quality of the image. It includes page formatting information, page content, linked files, styles, and swatches. INDD files are commonly used for creating and formatting books, magazines, newspapers, flyers, and brochures.

Best use = Primarily for layout design (books, brochures, business cards, etc.)

Raster Types

JPG Joint Photographic Experts Group


Best use = Rectangle or square photos and photographs on your website.

PNG Portable Network Graphics


Best use = Logos, icons and other images where a transparent background is preferred.

GIF Graphics Interchange Format


Best use = Simple web graphics such as web buttons, charts and icons.

TIF Tagged Image File Format


Best use = Images and photographs for high quality print.

PSD Adobe Photoshop File


Best use = Re-editable multiple layers with images, photographs and high quality prints

BMP Bitmap

The BMP file format, also known as bitmap image file, device independent bitmap file format and bitmap, is a raster graphics image file format used to store bitmap digital images, independently of the display device, especially on Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems.

BMP file format is capable of storing two-dimensional digital images both monochrome and color, in various color depths, and optionally with data compression, alpha channels, and color profiles. The Windows Metafile (WMF) specification covers the BMP file format.

Best use = High quality scans, archival copies, system image files Windows and Macs platform

Editing vector files and saving “in outlines”


We often create files in Illustrator and save an AI file as our master file, but then also save an EPS version, “in outlines” which is used in production and sent to print.

Saving in “outlines” is a term that you will hear when sending files to print. If a printer doesn’t have a font you used in your design and the vector file is not saved in outlines then when they open the file the text won’t have the desired look as it will default to a different font. Saving something with “outlines” basically means you are locking the text so that it’s no longer technically a font but instead made up of vector shapes that form your letters. This is important when sending graphics to print. Saving a file in outlines makes your text no longer editable which is why we keep the AI file as an editable master and then save an EPS as the locked final artwork which we send to print.

Working with images can be confusing, but bearing these key facts in mind will eliminate much of the hassle and of course we’re always here to help or answer any questions.

Disclaimer: Graphic software has come a long way over the years, resulting in a lot of line-blurring between programs. Raster-based images can be embedded into Adobe Illustrator and vectors can be placed and even created in Photoshop. With this in mind, consult a graphic designer when in doubt. Make sure the designer provides vector logo files when having your logo updated and ask your printer to double-check the resolution of images when having material professionally printed.

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