What is a vector file?
A vector file is an image composed of mathematical formulas that establish points on a grid. Unlike raster files, which are composed of colored blocks (commonly referred to as pixels), vector files can infinitely adjust in size without losing resolution. This versatility makes vector files ideal for certain types of tasks. Let’s explore some common types of vector files:
- .ai (Adobe Illustrator): Short for Adobe Illustrator, this file format is commonly used in print media and digital graphics, such as logos.
- .eps (Encapsulated PostScript): An older type of vector graphics file, .eps files don’t support transparency in the way more modern formats like .ai do.
- .pdf (Portable Document Format): Built for the exchange of documents across platforms, PDF files are editable in Adobe Acrobat.
- .svg (Scalable Vector Graphics): Based in XML (a markup language used widely across the Internet), .svg files are useful for the web, where they can be indexed, searched, and scripted.
The key difference between vector and raster files lies in their utility. Raster files have a fixed number of pixels, so if you print a raster image at a larger dimension than it was designed for, it will appear grainy and pixelated. In contrast, vector images can scale at high resolution to virtually unlimited sizes. For example, if you have a business logo saved in a vector format, it can be resized to fit on a billboard with no problems or reduced to be printed on a ballpoint pen or business card1.