Vector File
A vector file? Another graphic term we often bother our customers with. What is a vector file, but more importantly, what can you do with it and how do you get a vector file?
What is a Vector File
A vector file is a graphic file composed of lines (vectors) instead of small points (pixels). The advantage of a file composed of vectors is that you can scale this file indefinitely without the image becoming unreadable. In other words, you can enlarge or reduce this file, for example, up to 100 times, while all the details remain razor-sharp. In addition to infinite scalability, a vector file has the advantage of extremely small file sizes (when properly set up), always sharp resolution, no background (transparent image). See below for 2 comparisons. The left one is a file composed of pixels, the right one of vectors.
What Can You Do with a Vector File
This file will apply to all your print work. So you never have to worry about the result being pixelated. There are also no limitations in size or shape. Think of a 5-meter banner or a contour-cut sticker in the shape of your logo.
The contour cutting is now made possible with a vector file, because we can easily select a vector/line as a cutting line.
How to Obtain a Vector File
Check the files you have received from your advertising agency or graphic designer. Or look at files from other print jobs. If you don't find anything, ask the original creator or the person who manages the branding or marking.
The file formats are: .eps (not photoshop eps) or .ai, or PDF (if properly set up)
EPS / AI
These files are created in Adobe Illustrator. If you don't have graphic design software on your computer, you won't be able to open them. Note: You can also export an eps file from Photoshop. However, this eps file is often not suitable because photoshop works from pixels, not vectors.
PDF
A PDF is a file format that everyone knows and can open. To check if your PDF actually consists of vectors, you can easily do this yourself. Open the PDF with a viewer and then zoom in on your image. If the image remains sharp, then it is a vector. If the image starts showing pixelation, then unfortunately it is not a vector.
Don't Have a Vector File?
No problem. Our advice is: Let our DTP department set it up properly once. You will receive this file from us and can then use it for other print jobs as well.
So don't try to use programs you're not familiar with. There is a lot of information on the internet about various tricks (like Live Trace or automatic conversion programs), but that will cost you a lot of time and money on software and often doesn't give the desired result.
Email us your file and request a quote for converting your file
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