The Difference Between Pixel and Vector Graphics and How They Impact Print Results.
One of the most looked over aspects of digital print preparation is determining which format to save your file. Of the numerous file extensions that one can save in, the typical file formats we see are JPEG, PDF or a Photoshop file. As printable as these formats are, they may not be the right format for your project, especially when it comes to large format or text heavy printing. When it comes to size and DPI (Dot Per Inch) we suggest having files scaled to size or ratio’ed and request a minimum of 300 DPI. This helps save you time from editing and possibly reconstructing your file and get you back to focusing on having the best event with little to no printing issues. So which is the best file to save as? That all depends on the content matter of your art file! Our goal in this article is to help better understand the difference between most file extensions, how to choose a file format based on your content and the difference between vector based and pixel based files.
TLDR
Use vector for scalable elements such as wall paper and decals and high-res pixel-based for images for fine art printing.
Pixel-based files (JPEG, PNG) use pixels, lose quality when scaled.
Vector files ideal for logos, text and wall paper (when possible).
300 DPI recommended for printing pixel-based files.
Pixel-based formats better for photographs and complex illustrations.
Vector vs pixel based files
The fundamental distinction between vector and pixel-based files lies in how they store and represent visual information. Pixel-based files, like JPEGs and Photoshop documents (PSD), are composed of a grid of individual pixels, each containing color and brightness data for a specific point in the image. Imagine a digital mosaic; the more tiles (pixels) you have in a given area, the finer the detail. However, because these files store information for each discrete pixel, scaling them up significantly causes these pixels to become visibly larger, resulting in a jagged or blurry appearance known as pixelation. In contrast, vector-based files, such as those created in Adobe Illustrator (AI) or saved as EPS, SVG or some PDFs, utilize mathematical equations to define lines, curves, and shapes. Instead of storing individual pixel data, they store instructions on how to draw these elements. This means that vector graphics can be scaled infinitely without any loss of quality or sharpness, making them ideal for logos, illustrations, and text that needs to remain crisp at any size.
File extensions, sizing, DPI.
The file extension of your artwork often provides a clue about whether it's vector or pixel-based, although it's not always definitive (for example, a PDF can contain both types of graphics). Common pixel-based extensions include JPEG (.jpg), PNG (.png), GIF (.gif), TIFF (.tif), and PSD (.psd). These formats are generally resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is tied to their DPI (Dots Per Inch) at a specific size. As mentioned in our introduction, for print, a minimum of 300 DPI at the final print size is generally recommended to ensure sharp details. When scaling pixel-based files, if the original DPI is too low for the desired output size, the image will likely appear pixelated. Vector-based file extensions commonly include AI (.ai), EPS (.eps), and SVG (.svg). While you can set a "resolution" when exporting a vector file to a raster format (like a PDF for printing), the underlying vector data remains scalable without quality loss. Therefore, for elements like logos and text that might be used at various sizes, providing vector files ensures consistent sharpness regardless of the final print dimensions.
Choosing a format based on your file content
The nature of your artwork should heavily influence your choice of file format for printing. For photographic images, complex illustrations with gradients and subtle color variations, or scanned artwork, pixel-based formats are generally the most suitable. These formats excel at capturing the nuances of continuous-tone imagery. However, for elements like logos, typography, diagrams, and simple graphics with clean lines and solid colors, vector-based formats are the preferred choice. Using a vector format for these types of content guarantees that they will print with crisp edges and without any pixelation, no matter how large they are reproduced. If your print project combines both types of content, such as a poster with photographs and a company logo, the ideal scenario is to have the logo provided as a vector file and the photographs as high-resolution pixel-based files. When creating a final print-ready file like a PDF, it's crucial to ensure that vector elements remain as vectors and that pixel-based images meet the necessary DPI requirements for the intended print size. Vector files (AI, SVG) use math, scale without quality loss.
In conclusion, understanding the fundamental differences between vector and pixel-based files is paramount for achieving high-quality print results. Pixel-based files excel at reproducing detailed, continuous-tone imagery but are limited by their resolution and can suffer from pixelation upon scaling. Conversely, vector-based files offer infinite scalability without loss of quality, making them ideal for logos, text, and sharp-edged graphics. By carefully considering the content of your artwork and choosing the appropriate file format – ensuring pixel-based images have sufficient DPI for the intended size and utilizing vector files for elements requiring scalability – you can significantly minimize printing issues and ensure your final printed materials accurately and professionally represent your vision. Taking this crucial step in your print preparation workflow will ultimately save you time, resources, and lead to a far superior finished product.