What is the difference between vector and raster file types?
A vector file is one where there are lines or defined edges of the graphic (including text) and the computer fills color in between those lines. A very small vector graphic can be enlarged to any size and it will still look exactly the same. A vector image can be cut from vinyl or it can be printed. A raster file is made up of pixels or small boxes of different colors to make up an image. Photographs are raster images. Most complex graphics are raster images. Our ability to enlarge a raster image depends on how large of an image we start with and the number of pixels per inch in that image. An example is you may have an image that was designed to use on the web and it is 1″ x 1″ at 72 ppi. You may have another graphic that is 1″ x 1″ at 300 ppi. We could expand the 72 ppi graphic 3-4 times as large without to much distortion. The 300 ppi graphic may be able to expand to 10-12 times it size without to much distortion.
