The Ultimate Guide to Artwork File Types: Vector vs. Raster & When to Use Them
What’s the Best File Format for Printing? Let’s Break It Down!
Ever sent a logo file for printing, only to hear back: “Sorry, we need a vector file”? If you’re confused about AI, EPS, PNG, JPEG, or PDF, you’re not alone!
Choosing the right artwork file type is crucial when branding promotional products, ensuring your logo prints sharp, clear, and professional.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
✔️ The difference between vector vs. raster files
✔️ Which formats work best for printing
✔️ Why RAW files matter for designers
✔️ How to submit your artwork for flawless results
For an in-depth breakdown, check out our Full Artwork File Types Guide!
Vector vs. Raster vs. RAW – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Vector Files (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) | Raster Files (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF) | RAW Files (CR2, NEF, DNG, ARW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scalability | Infinitely scalable | Pixelates when resized | High flexibility for editing |
| Best For | Logos, text, branding | Photos, web graphics | Photography & editing |
| Transparency Support | Yes (SVG, AI, EPS) | Yes (PNG, GIF) | No |
| Editability | Fully editable | Limited | Requires processing |
| File Size | Small to medium | Can be large | Very large |
🚀 Quick Answer: If you’re submitting a logo or text-based artwork, send a vector file (AI, EPS, PDF) for the best printing results.
Raster Files: Best for Photos & Digital Graphics
Raster images are made of pixels, meaning they lose quality when enlarged. That’s why they’re not ideal for logos on promotional products.
🖼️ Common Raster File Formats & Uses:
✔️ JPEG (JPG) – Great for web, but not ideal for print.
✔️ PNG – Supports transparency (great for digital logos).
✔️ TIFF – High-resolution photography files.
✔️ GIF – Used for simple animations (not for printing).
💡 If your logo is a JPEG or PNG, we can help convert it to a vector format!
Vector Files: The Best Choice for Printing
Unlike raster images, vector files use mathematical formulas, meaning they can be resized infinitely without losing quality.
📐 Best Vector File Formats for Printing:
✔️ AI (Adobe Illustrator) – The gold standard for professional logo design.
✔️ EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) – Ideal for large-scale printing.
✔️ SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) – Perfect for web-based logos.
✔️ PDF (Portable Document Format) – Often used for final artwork submissions.
💡 If you’re branding promotional products, always use a vector file for the sharpest print quality!
RAW Files: What Are They & When to Use Them?
RAW files are unprocessed image files from professional cameras. They contain more data than JPEGs, making them perfect for editing.
📷 Common RAW File Formats:
✔️ CR2, NEF, ARW, DNG, RAF – Camera-specific formats.
🔹 RAW files are not print-ready—they must be edited and converted to JPEG, PNG, or TIFF first.
How to Submit Your Artwork for Printing
✔️ Use Vector Files – AI, EPS, PDF preferred.
✔️ Convert Text to Outlines – Ensures correct font display.
✔️ Check Colour Mode – CMYK for printing, RGB for digital.
✔️ Provide Pantone (PMS) Colours – For colour accuracy.
✔️ Ensure High Resolution – 300 DPI minimum for raster images.
For a full breakdown of artwork file types, check out our detailed guide here.
