Why Artwork File Type Matters for Promotional Printing
When branding promotional products, using the right artwork file format is essential to achieving a sharp, professional finish. Different formats serve different purposes—some are great for digital use, while others are ideal for high-quality printing.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ The difference between raster and vector files
✔️ Which formats work best for printing
✔️ When to use RAW files and how they fit into the design process
✔️ How to prepare and submit artwork for the best results
1️⃣ Raster vs. Vector vs. RAW: Understanding the Basics
| Feature | Raster Files (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP) | Vector Files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) | RAW Files (CR2, NEF, ARW, DNG, RAF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Made of pixels | Made of mathematical paths | Unprocessed image data |
| Scalability | Loses quality when enlarged | Infinite scalability | High flexibility for editing |
| Best For | Photos & web images | Logos, text, scalable designs | Professional photography |
| File Size | Can be large (especially TIFF) | Generally small | Very large |
| Transparency | Supported in PNG & GIF | Supported in SVG, AI, EPS | No (must be edited) |
| Editability | Limited (lossy formats degrade) | Fully editable | Requires processing in Photoshop/Lightroom |
Now, let’s dive deeper into each artwork file type type.
2️⃣ What are Raster Image Files?
🖼️ What is a Raster File?
A raster image (also known as a bitmap) is composed of a fixed grid of pixels. Each pixel contains colour information, and together they create detailed images.
🔍 How Do Raster Files Work?
- Raster files are resolution-dependent, meaning scaling them up causes pixelation (blurriness).
- They store complex colour information, making them ideal for photographs and detailed images.
- The resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI) or pixels per inch (PPI). For printing, 300 DPI is recommended.
📂 Common Raster File Formats & When to Use Them
✔️ JPEG (JPG) – Compressed format, best for photos & web images. Not ideal for printing logos.
✔️ PNG – Supports transparency, perfect for digital use.
✔️ GIF – Limited colour range, used for simple animations.
✔️ TIFF – High-quality, used for photography and publishing.
✔️ BMP – Uncompressed, high file size, rarely used today.
🎯 Best Uses for Raster Files
✔️ Photographs – Ideal for detailed images in promotional material.
✔️ Web Graphics – Social media posts, website banners, email marketing.
✔️ Detailed Gradients & Shadows – Complex shading in images.
⚠️ Limitations of Raster Files
- Cannot be scaled up without losing quality.
- Large file sizes (especially TIFF and BMP).
- Not suitable for logos or text-based artwork that needs to be resized.
🔹 If you’re sending artwork for branding, we recommend vector files instead of raster files for best results.
3️⃣ What are Vector Files?
📐 What is a Vector File?
Unlike raster files, vector graphics use mathematical formulas to define lines, curves, and shapes. This makes them scalable without losing quality.
🚀 Why are Vector Files Best for Printing?
✔️ Infinitely scalable – Whether printed on a pen or a billboard, they stay sharp.
✔️ Smaller file sizes – Compared to high-res raster images.
✔️ Easily editable – Colours, fonts, and shapes can be adjusted without loss of quality.
📂 Common Vector File Formats & When to Use Them
✔️ AI (Adobe Illustrator) – Preferred format for logo design & promotional branding.
✔️ EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) – Best for large-scale printing (banners, signage).
✔️ SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) – Ideal for web-based logos and digital use.
✔️ PDF (Portable Document Format) – Often used for printing artwork submissions.
🎯 Best Uses for Vector Files
✔️ Logos & Branding – Ensures clarity on all promotional products.
✔️ Illustrations & Icons – Used for signage, stickers, and custom shapes.
✔️ Typography-Based Artwork – Keeps text crisp when printed on promotional products.
⚠️ Limitations of Vector Files
- Not ideal for detailed photography (vectors cannot capture photo realism).
- Not supported by all software (must be opened in Illustrator or a similar program).
🔹 For branding on promotional products, vector files are preferred because they ensure sharp, high-quality prints.
4️⃣ What are RAW Files?
📷 What is a RAW File?
A RAW file is an unprocessed image captured directly from a camera’s sensor. Unlike JPEG or PNG, RAW files retain all image data, making them highly flexible for editing.
📂 Common RAW File Formats
✔️ CR2, NEF, ARW, DNG, RAF – These vary depending on the camera brand.
🎯 Best Uses for RAW Files
✔️ Professional Photography – Captures full dynamic range for post-processing.
✔️ Graphic Design Projects – When extensive editing is required before conversion to vector or raster.
⚠️ Limitations of RAW Files
- Very large file sizes.
- Requires software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom for editing.
- Not used for final print or branding—must be converted first.
🔹 For printing, RAW files should be converted to vector (AI, EPS, PDF) or high-resolution raster (TIFF, PNG, JPEG 300 DPI) before submission.
5️⃣ How to Submit Your Artwork for Promotional Printing
✔️ Use Vector Files – AI, EPS, PDF preferred.
✔️ Convert Text to Outlines – Ensures fonts display correctly.
✔️ Check Colour Mode – CMYK for printing, RGB for web use.
✔️ Provide Pantone (PMS) Colours – For colour accuracy.
✔️ Ensure High Resolution – 300 DPI minimum for raster images.
📩 Submit your artwork via email or upload it directly when ordering. Need help? Our design team can assist with file conversions!
Need Help? Contact Us!
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