Vector art scales without losing sharpness; raster art is made of pixels and has a fixed resolution. Logos, type, and line art should be vector for print. Photos and complex imagery are raster.
When vector is required
Vector is preferred for logos, icons and text used at different sizes. A sufficiently detailed raster logo can still print well at a specific size. Cutting paths require usable vector geometry; a PDF or AI extension alone does not prove its contents are vector.
When raster is correct
Photographs and bitmap textures are raster. They must be supplied at sufficient resolution at final size. Scaling them up in layout does not add detail.
Before you send the file
- Export logos and type as vector (PDF, AI, or outlined in the layout).
- Supply photos at final size and at least 300 PPI (or the printer's minimum for large-format).
- Do not embed low-res raster where vector or high-res is needed.
Common mistake
Placing a small JPEG logo and scaling it up for a large sign. The logo will be soft or pixelated. Send the vector source and let the RIP scale it.