If you’re confused about the difference between raster and vector graphics, you have landed in the right place. This short guide will explain the difference between these two artworks and help you decide better.
Let’s start with a very simple definition. Raster artwork is made up of pixels or dots, like an Adobe Photoshop file. While a vector artwork is made up of coordinate lines or points, like an Adobe Illustrator file. Understanding this primary difference of raster vs. vector is essential before you plan to print your business/personal stickers, as it impacts the prints’ results.
The debate on raster graphics vs. vector graphics is quite common when it comes to printing stickers. Business owners aren’t always familiar with both types’ pros and cons; hence, they contemplate their decision a lot. If you’re in the same boat, your doubts will be all gone by the end of this page.
- Raster graphics
Raster images are made from tiny components called pixels that vary from picture to picture. A raster image’s quality is determined by the number of pixels per square inch; the more, the merrier.
When hundreds of parts are joined to make a bigger image, the quality is suitable for sticker printing. For example, a whole mountain’s picture will have less pixels than that of a smaller rock. When we zoom that mountain picture clicked from a distance, we see small square boxes and distorted edges. If you have to increase/decrease a raster image’s size, its quality will be impacted as the pixels will be either expanded or compressed. Raster images are easier to scale up and harder to scale down. When you enlarge a pixelated image, the quality doesn’t remain the same. But, when you decrease its size, the quality isn’t affected, only the details decrease.
- Pros of raster graphics
If you’re considering some raster graphics for printing your business stickers, make sure their quality is par-excellence. An average quality picture doesn’t turn out good when printed and might impact the overall sticker design.
- Convenience
Assume you need your staff’s pictures for a promotional campaign. Now, all you have to do is get a picture clicked and print it on your desired paper sheet. No designing, editing, or reshaping is needed in this step. This makes raster graphics a suitable option for quick and short-term printing campaigns.
- Portability
A raster image can be opened in virtually any device without any specific software. The major formats of raster images are compatible with all digital mediums, hence easy-to-use.
Cons of raster graphics
Since a raster image’s pixels directly impact its print quality, you cannot expect good results from a low-resolution image.
- Poor quality
When an image’s resolution is less than 300 dpi (dots per square inch) in a raster file, it doesn’t produce a fine print; when you try to, its dots get distorted. 72 to 150 dpi images are better suited to website design. Therefore, having a high-quality raster image is primitive for sticker printing.
- Hard to edit
Let’s say you have a picture and wish to expand it to make you’re a full-sized wall sticker. Doing this will affect the print, and you won’t see the exact design/pattern on a sticker as it was in the image.
Formats of raster graphics
Raster images usually come in JPG, or PNG files, which don’t require a particular software. PSD files are native Adobe Photoshop files which contain layers and are much easier to edit. Adobe Photoshop can be used to add/remove any details.
- Vector graphics
A vector file is made for mathematical paths, which collectively form a shape.
For instance, a flower-shaped business logo will comprise several curves and edges to form the overall pattern. Vector graphics use dots, lines, and curves to design stickers for businesses. When you need a high-quality and exclusive design, it’s better to get it designed in a vector format for long-term usability. Since vector files are created in software like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, a person may require upskilling, which could be a little tricker to master. When you need a vector logo printed for your business stickers, you may even get it designed by a Graphic Designer so it’s ready for your sticker layout.
Pros of vector graphics
- Less complicated
When a shape is drawn by joining vector lines, it a much smaller fiel size than raster graphics. You decide a pattern/design, and the artist draws it for your business purposes. Vector images can be business logos, app icons, website names, and even billboards.
- Best for printing
Vector graphics give you the freedom to enlarge without affecting the design quality. You can pick a small business logo and get it printed on a wall-sized sticker with no distorted edges or lost details. This suitability with all printing formats makes vector graphics an ideal choice for commercial stickers.
- Easy to edit
Another major difference between raster and vector graphics is that the latter can be enlarged, and edited quite easily. Once a design is finalized, you can easily resize it to match your sticker type.
Cons of vector graphics
- Not much portable
Vector files are created in software like Adobe Illustrator and may require this type of specific software to edit your designs. Although you can view these files on most devices, you’ll need access to the creating tool to reshape your design.
Formats of vector files
Vector files come in AI, EPS, or PDF formats, your Graphic Designer will open and view these files in their specified apps. Whether you opt for raster images or prefer vector files, EStickers will ensure your business stickers are detail-oriented and professional. Since we pay attention to the slightest details, your designs are safe with us, and you’ll get immaculate stickers for sure!