Understanding the difference between vector and raster art is crucial for anyone working in embroidery digitizing, screen printing, or graphic design. Let’s break down the key differences and when to use each format.

What is Raster Art?

Raster images are made up of pixels – tiny squares of color arranged in a grid. Common formats include JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP. When you zoom into a raster image, you’ll eventually see the individual pixels, causing the image to appear blocky or pixelated.

Pros of Raster:

  • Great for photographs and complex color gradients
  • Widely supported across all devices and software
  • Smaller file sizes for photos
  • Easy to edit in photo editing software

Cons of Raster:

  • Loses quality when scaled up
  • File size increases with resolution
  • Not ideal for logos or simple graphics
  • Difficult to edit individual elements

What is Vector Art?

Vector graphics use mathematical formulas to define shapes, lines, and colors. Common formats include AI, EPS, SVG, and PDF. Vector images can be scaled infinitely without any loss of quality.

Pros of Vector:

  • Infinitely scalable without quality loss
  • Perfect for logos and simple graphics
  • Smaller file sizes for simple designs
  • Easy to edit colors and shapes
  • Ideal for embroidery digitizing

Cons of Vector:

  • Not suitable for photographs
  • Limited software support compared to raster
  • Can be more complex to create
  • File size increases with complexity

Which Format for Embroidery?

Vector art is strongly preferred for embroidery digitizing. Here’s why:

Vector files provide clean, scalable outlines that make digitizing faster and more accurate. You can easily adjust size without worrying about pixelation or quality loss.

If you only have a raster image (like a photo or JPG logo), you’ll need to convert it to vector format first. This process is called “vectorization” or “tracing.”

Converting Raster to Vector

Professional vector conversion involves manually redrawing the artwork using vector tools. This ensures clean lines, proper curves, and accurate colors. Automated tracing can work for simple designs but often requires cleanup.

Conclusion

For embroidery, screen printing, and professional branding, vector art is the gold standard. If you’re starting a business or creating a logo, always request vector files from your designer. It will save you time and money in the long run.