- Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations to define shapes and lines.
- They are resolution-independent, meaning they can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
- Common vector formats include SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), and PDF (Portable Document Format).
- Vector graphics are best suited for logos, icons, illustrations, and other graphics that require scalability and crisp edges.
- They are not suitable for representing complex images with gradients or photographs.
- JPEG is a raster image format commonly used for photographs and complex images.
- It uses lossy compression, which means that some image detail is sacrificed to reduce file size. This compression can lead to a loss of image quality, especially with high levels of compression.
- JPEG images are resolution-dependent, meaning they have a fixed number of pixels and can lose quality when scaled up.
- They are widely supported and can be viewed on almost any device or software.
- JPEG is suitable for photographs, web images, and any images where detail is more important than scalability.
In summary, the main differences between vector and JPEG images lie in their scalability, compression methods, and suitability for different types of images. Vector graphics are resolution-independent and best for simple graphics that need to be scaled, while JPEG images are resolution-dependent and best for complex images like photographs.
When working with digital photos, graphic design, logos, and other digital images, raster and vector are the two most common file types you’ll encounter. Learn about the key features, similarities, and differences between the two to decide when and where to use each.
Raster files are images built from pixels — tiny colour squares that, in great quantity, can form highly detailed images such as photographs. The more pixels an image has, the higher quality it will be, and vice versa. The number of pixels in an image depends on the file type (for example, JPEG, GIF, or PNG).
Learn more about raster file types
Vector files use mathematical equations, lines and curves with fixed points on a grid to produce an image. There are no pixels in a vector file. A vector file’s mathematical formulas capture shape, border, and fill colour to build an image. Because the mathematical formula recalibrates to any size, you can scale a vector image up or down without affecting its quality.
Learn more about vector file types
Raster and vector files are the two most popular formats used for visual content. They represent images in very different ways, so there’s a lot to consider when deciding which one to use. Some of the main differences between raster and vector include:
One of the main differences between raster and vector files is their resolution. The resolution of a raster file is referred to in DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch). If you zoom in or expand the size of a raster image, you start to see the individual pixels.
Raster files display a wider array of colours, permit greater colour editing, and show finer light and shading than vectors — but they lose image quality when resized. An easy way to tell if an image is raster or vector is to increase its size. If the image becomes blurred or pixelated, it’s most likely a raster file.
With vector image files, resolution is not an issue. You can resize, rescale, and reshape vectors infinitely without losing any image quality. Vector files are popular for images that need to appear in a wide variety of sizes, like a logo that needs to fit on both a business card and a billboard.
Digital photographs are usually raster files. Many digital cameras automatically shoot and save photos as raster files — and the images you see online are often rasters, too. Raster files are also commonly used for editing images, photos, and graphics.
Vector files work better for digital illustrations, complex graphics, and logos. That’s because the resolution of vectors remains the same when resized, making them suitable for a wide variety of printed formats.
Some projects combine both raster and vector images. For example, a brochure may use vector graphics for the company logo but raster files for photography.
Raster files are generally larger than vector files. They can contain millions of pixels and incredibly high levels of detail. Their large size can impact device storage space and slow down page loading speeds on the web. However, you can compress raster files for storage and web optimisation to make sharing faster and easier.
Vector files are much more lightweight than raster files, containing only the mathematical formulas that determine the design.
You can open raster files in many different apps and web browsers, making them easy to view, edit and share. Vector files aren’t as accessible — many vector file types require specialised software to open and edit the files. Though it can present some challenges, it’s possible to convert vector files to raster or raster files to vector when needed.
Your software will usually determine your file type, whether it’s raster or vector. There are multiple types and extensions of both raster and vector files, each with its own features. Learn more about some of the common ones:
Extension
.jpg
.png
.gif
.bmp
.tiff
.psd
Extension
.svg
.eps
.ai
.dae
.ps
.emf
You can open and edit vector files in Adobe Illustrator.
You can see if an image is a vector by checking for a vector file extension like those listed above. Another method is to resize the image. If it maintains the same resolution when you increase its size, it’s most likely a vector file. If the image gets pixelated, it’s most likely a raster file.
Most PDFs are vector files. However, it depends on the programme used to create the document because PDFs can also be saved as raster files. For example, any PDF created using Adobe Photoshop will be saved as a raster file.
You can use Adobe Illustrator to convert a JPEG into a vector:
With so many different options out there for decorating your custom apparel or promotional products, how do you know when to use each method? Each decoration option comes with certain pros and cons as well as some limitations.
To make things easy, we have explained our most common forms of branding below.
By far the most popular branding style. To turn your logo in to the embroidery format we must first digitise your logo. This means that we need to replace the colours and lines of your logo with threads. From here the appropriate thread colours are chosen and we do a sample. Once approved, your file is uploaded in to our massive industrial machines, the garments are "hooped" to stay in the correct position and after programming, the machine will start to embroider your logo on to the garment(s).
Embroidered logos typically look best on polos, jackets, woven shirts, caps, and bags, but this is a truly versatile style of decoration. We've embroidered just about every style of apparel & accessory on our site!
An easy way to think about this is as a photographic stencil process. A stencil is created and then is used to apply layers of ink directly onto a product. The result is the screen's image transferred to the print surface. The versatility of this decoration method allows it to be used on a wide variety of items.
Screen printing, also known as silk screen printing, is the most cost-effective method for large quantity print runs (around 50+ items) and works especially well with items like t-shirts and tanks. A complex design with many different colors requires different stencils for each color, so this decoration method is best for logos with 4 colors or less.
If you have ever used an iron to press a decal onto a shirt then you know the basis of heat transfer, but our method is exceptionally more advanced. The digital heat seal decoration method utilizes regulated heat and pressure to thermally bond graphics onto a material’s surface.
Heat transfer, also known as digital transfer, is a great decoration choice if you are looking for affordable design options with unlimited colors. With decoration methods like embroidery and screen printing, you are using physical resources - thread and ink - to create a logo. This cost can be avoided with heat transfer, making it the most ideal decoration option for smaller orders.
You can think about digital printing, or direct to garment printing, as a similar process to printing a document from your computer. An image is created with no restraints to the number of colors or type of artwork used, and the image is printed or affixed directly onto the material. With embroidery & screen printing, you are dealing with physical resources (thread & ink) to create a logo; with digital printing, full color, high definition logos can be done economically, even in small quantities.
Commonly used as a substitute for screen printing on smaller orders, digital printing also works well with logos that require a high amount of detail or are very graphics heavy. This is also a commonly used option for logos that contain a gradient, as the print can closely match the digital version seen on a computer screen. Check out our breakdown of the differences between screen printing and digital printing here.
3D puff embroidery is done by placing a foam pad, or “puff”, onto your products and then having your embroidery machine sew an outline of your logo or design. Once this is complete you simply remove the excess puff around the outside of the embroidered outline and you’ve got a 3D design. You can read our complete step by step guide to custom 3D puff embroidery here!
3D embroidery is used almost exclusively on custom hats and caps to give your logo or design depth and height. Outside of headwear, 3D embroidery is used on other heavy-fabric items like sweatshirts, hoodies, and workwear.
This transfer process uses heat to activate and attach a vinyl sticker to a fabric. Vinyl is soft to the touch with great stretch and is durable enough for sportswear. You can read our complete step by step guide to custom vinyl transfer here!
Vinyl transfer has especially great durability. Perfect for uniforms and jerseys, as they are worn frequently and go through a lot of wear and tear. This decoration option is extremely dependable wash after wash.
Direct to Film (DTF) printing is rapidly becoming one of the most popular printing techniques for apparel and textiles. This cutting-edge method provides a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional techniques like screen printing, making it a perfect choice for modern garment customization.
But what exactly is DTF printing, and why is it gaining so much attention?
DTF printing involves creating designs on a specialized clear film, which is then transferred to fabric. The process is simple yet highly effective, allowing for vivid, high-quality prints on a variety of fabrics, no matter their color or composition. Whether you're working with cotton, polyester, silk, or even leather, DTF printing delivers.
Let’s take a closer look at how DTF works and why it’s becoming a go-to solution for businesses and hobbyists alike.
DTF printing starts by printing a design directly onto a clear film using a DTF printer, which is loaded with special inks designed for the process. Once the design is printed, a powdered adhesive is applied to the still-wet ink. The film then moves through a shaker that removes any excess adhesive. Afterward, the design is cured and dried, making it ready for transfer.
The final step is to use a heat press to apply the design from the film to the fabric. This step combines heat, pressure, and precise timing to ensure a durable and flexible print that can withstand regular wear and washing.
1. Unmatched Versatility
One of the standout features of DTF printing is its ability to adhere to almost any fabric type. From everyday cotton and polyester to more delicate materials like silk or robust fabrics like leather, DTF opens up endless possibilities for custom designs and branding.
2. High Quality and Durability
DTF prints are renowned for their vivid colors, sharp details, and resilience. Unlike other printing methods, DTF designs can stretch with the fabric, reducing the risk of cracking or fading over time. This makes it an ideal choice for garments that experience frequent use.
3. Cost-Effective for Smaller Print Runs
Screen printing often requires extensive setup, making it less cost-effective for smaller orders. DTF, on the other hand, is perfect for both large and small print runs. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for personalized orders, prototypes, and short-term promotional campaigns.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Another significant advantage of DTF printing is its eco-friendly nature. Compared to traditional printing methods, DTF uses minimal water and energy, making it a more sustainable choice for businesses focused on reducing their environmental footprint.
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DTF printing is revolutionizing the garment industry with its versatility, quality, and eco-friendly benefits. Whether you're looking to create custom apparel for your brand or explore new design possibilities, DTF is an innovative solution worth considering.