What is this vector thing my design studio is requesting, you wonder? And are they even speaking English? You’ve sent them a JPG of your logo file (which by the way, is the only one you can open), only to find out it’s not the right format. What is a vector file, why do they need it, and how do you get one? Let’s get to the bottom of this…

What is a vector-based graphic?
Professional logos are designed in vector-based graphic programs, such as Adobe Illustrator. Vector graphics are comprised of points and paths (which are based on mathematical formulas) that represent the image on a computer.

What is a pixel-based graphic?
Pixel-based graphics (often called raster or bitmap) are comprised of individual bits, or pixels, that when combined, make up the entire image. Adobe Photoshop is a pixel-based program that is used for photo or graphic manipulation.

What’s the benefit of having a vector-based logo?
Vector-based images can be scaled by any amount (large or small) without degrading the quality of the image. This is essential with a logo design since it will be used in a vast number of formats at a variety of sizes. You want the large logo on your tradeshow signage to print just as clear and sharp as the small logo on your business card.

Pixel-based images, on the other hand, do not enlarge well. Enlarging a pixel-based logo or image from its original size will result in degraded quality (i.e. a blurry logo or image). Logos for website use are saved as pixel-based images. So, if you copy your logo off your website, it is a low resolution file and it will print blurry in a high-resolution print format.

How do you know which file is the vector file?
A vector logo saved out of Illustrator will most likely have the extension .eps (Encapsulated Post Script) or .ai (Adobe Illustrator). Unless you have the Adobe Illustrator software you won’t be able to open this file. It can be scary to forward along a file without viewing it first, but relax, it’s OK. This is the file that your design professional or print vendor needs to ensure the best print quality for your projects.

Pixel-based images saved out of Photoshop will most likely be saved as a .jpg, .tif, .gif, .png, or .psd file.

It’s important to note that saving a pixel-based logo from Photoshop as an eps file does not produce a vector file. The logo has to be created as vector-based file in a vector-based program to begin with.

To sum it up
A vector logo will be the most universally useful to you, your printers, and other vendors. When you’re working with a logo designer, make sure your logo is being created in a vector format and make sure you request the final vector files.

When we complete a logo design for a client, we provide a library of final logo files. It includes the vector (eps) logo files in all necessary color formats, as well as pixel-based logo files (jpg and png) for use on websites and in Word or PowerPoint documents.

Does your logo file library include a vector file?

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