What is vector files?

In this article, you will learn what vector files are, their functions and formats, and which software uses them.

Vector files: useful in different environments.

When working digitally, there are two types of image files: raster and vector. Both of these types can be saved with different file extensions. It is important to understand when to use each type of file and choose the most suitable format for every situation.

Vector files are images made from mathematical formulas that define points on a grid. Meanwhile, raster files are made up of pixels - compressed blocks of color. Since vector files can be infinitely resized without losing resolution, they are more versatile and suitable for certain tasks than raster files. The most popular types of vector files are:

.ai: Short for Adobe Illustrator - this file is often used in print and digital graphics, such as logos.
.eps: ‘Encapsulated PostScript’ is an older vector file type that does not support transparency, unlike newer formats such as .ai.
.pdf: ‘Portable Document Format’ was created for transferring files between platforms. It can be edited with Adobe Acrobat.
.svg: ‘Scalable Vector Graphics’ format is based on XML (a language widely used on the internet that can be read by both machines and humans). This format is useful for the web, where it can be indexed, searched, and edited.

When are vector files used?

The main difference between vector and raster files lies in their usability. Raster files consist of a fixed number of pixels. Since this number is constant, enlarging a raster image beyond its original size makes it look grainy because the pixels that form the image are forced to ‘grow’ larger than intended. In short, you cannot print an image from Instagram and expect it to be as sharp as it appears on the screen.

Because vectors are based on formulas, vector images with high resolution can be scaled to almost unlimited sizes. If you are a business with your own logo saved in a vector format, you can enlarge it without any problems so that it looks good on a billboard, or shrink it to print on a pen or a business card. Read here why it is important for your company logo to be created in vector graphics!
When changing the image size, the quality will remain the same! Many printing processes are only possible using vector files.