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A guide to vector graphics · Formats, uses, raster vs vector

What Is a Vector Graphic? Formats, Uses & Raster vs Vector

A vector graphic is an image built from points, lines, curves and filled shapes defined by mathematics, rather than from a grid of colored pixels. This guide explains how such files work, which formats hold them, where they are used and how they compare with raster images. If you need a file converted, our artists redraw images as vectors from $7 per image.

  • How vector files work
  • AI, EPS, SVG, PDF and DXF explained
  • Raster vs vector, side by side
  • Where to get a file converted
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How a Vector Graphic Works

Each shape in a vector file is stored as anchor points joined by straight segments or Bézier curves, with a stroke and a fill. When you enlarge it, the software recalculates those curves at the new size, so edges stay perfectly sharp. That is also why such files are often small: a circle needs a center and a radius, not thousands of pixels.

  • Anchor points and Bézier curves
  • Strokes and fills set per shape
  • Recalculated sharp at every size
Pencil sketch of a panda and a bird saved as a raster image
Raster
Panda sketch redrawn as a vector graphic with clean lines
Vector

Common Vector File Formats

The same artwork can be saved in several formats, each suited to different software.

AI

Adobe Illustrator’s native format, keeping layers, artboards and swatches for further editing.

EPS

Encapsulated PostScript, an older but widely accepted exchange format for print and sign work.

SVG

Scalable Vector Graphics, an open XML format read by web browsers and cutting machines.

PDF

Portable Document Format, which can carry vector artwork for client review and press-ready printing.

DXF

Drawing Exchange Format, used by CAD, laser, plasma and CNC software.

PNG & JPG Exports

Raster copies made from a vector master for screens, email and social posts.

Where Vector Graphics Are Used

Anywhere artwork must stay sharp at different sizes or be read by a machine.

Logos & brand marksSigns & vehicle graphicsScreen-printed apparelEmbroidery filesLaser engraving & cuttingPackaging & labelsWebsite iconsMaps & diagrams

Need One Made From Your Image?

Starts from
$7 per image

Our artists redraw logos and artwork as vectors from $7 per image for simple designs. Detailed illustrations and complex sources are quoted higher after we review them. You see the exact price in an emailed quote before you pay.

  • 24-hour standard delivery
  • Rush orders ready in 6 hours, sometimes at extra cost
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  • Five formats: AI, EPS, SVG, PDF, PNG

Converting Many Graphics?

If you are moving a whole brand or catalog to vector, send everything together. We quote the set once and keep sizes and naming consistent.

  • One quote for the set
  • Consistent artboards
  • Clear file naming
  • Delivery by priority
A full set of graphics?
Upload them together for a single quote.Get a bulk quote

To get a file converted, start with our image to vector conversion service. Pixel files of any kind go through raster to vector conversion, brand marks through vector logo conversion, and if you need a specific format, see our vector converter page.

Raster vs Vector: Key Differences

Built from

Raster: a fixed grid of pixels. Vector: points, paths and fills described mathematically.

Scaling

Raster images blur or pixelate when enlarged; vector artwork stays sharp at any size.

Suited to

Raster suits photographs and complex shading; vector suits logos, type, icons and illustration.

Editing

Raster is edited pixel by pixel; vector shapes can be moved, reshaped and recolored individually.

A raster image (JPG, PNG, GIF)

  • Fixed resolution
  • Edges blur when enlarged
  • Large files at big sizes
  • Unreadable by cutters and engravers

A vector graphic (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF)

  • Resolution-independent
  • Edges sharp at every size
  • Compact for simple artwork
  • Readable by cutting and CAD software

One Logo, From Business Card to Shop Sign

2 in → 20 ft

Example: a bakery has its logo only as a small PNG and needs it on business cards, a shop sign and a delivery van.

The problem
Enlarged for the sign, the PNG turns soft and blocky, and the sign maker asks for a vector file instead.
The conversion
An artist redraws the logo as vector paths, matches the fonts and sets exact brand colors.
The outcome
One AI master plus EPS, SVG, PDF and PNG exports covers every size, from a 2-inch card to a 20-foot sign.

How It Works

1

Check your file

Look at the extension: AI, EPS, SVG or a vector PDF are vector; JPG, PNG and GIF are raster.

2

Upload if it’s raster

Send the image and we quote the conversion by email; payment starts the work.

3

We redraw it

An artist rebuilds the artwork as vector paths, then QC checks it.

4

Use one master

Export the sizes and formats you need from a single file; two free revisions included.

What Clients Say About Our Vector Work

“I often receive jpg logos from clients who need to do signage or embroidery, where vector art is required. I’ve used Vector Design for several years and they are always extremely quick and the quality of their vector files is excellent.”Merili LoucksSignage & embroidery · Google review
“I’ve been in the promotional products industry for 45 years and they are the most efficient design company I have worked with.”Don GardinerPromotional products · Google review
“I have used their services on several projects, always timely and very professional. They are our go-to partner.”Scott TurnerRepeat client · Google review

Rated five stars in 500+ Google reviews.

Vector Graphic FAQ

A vector graphic is a digital image made of mathematically defined shapes: points, lines, curves and fills. Because software redraws those shapes at whatever size you need, the image never loses sharpness. Logos, icons, fonts and illustrations are usually created this way for exactly that reason.

With us, conversion starts at $7 per image for simple artwork such as a basic logo. Detailed illustrations and difficult sources cost more and are quoted individually. Upload the image and we email the exact price; our artist starts redrawing once you have paid.

No. PNG and JPG are raster formats that store pixels. Re-saving them as SVG or PDF does not change that; the pixels are simply wrapped in a new container. To become true vector artwork, the image has to be redrawn or traced as paths.

Zoom in eight times or more. If edges stay perfectly sharp, it is vector; if you see square pixels or blur, it is raster. In Illustrator, switch to Outline view: vector shapes appear as thin lines, while a placed raster image shows as a box with a cross.

Use AI for ongoing design work, EPS or PDF when a printer asks, SVG for websites and cutting machines, and DXF for laser, CNC or CAD. A single master file can produce all of them, so there is no need to choose just one.

You do, provided the original artwork is yours or licensed to you. Following payment, the finished vector files are handed over to you in full on request. You receive AI, EPS, SVG, PDF and PNG versions, two free revisions and our 100% money-back guarantee.

Turn Your Image Into a Vector Graphic

Upload the raster file you have. We email an exact price and delivery time and start redrawing as soon as payment is received.

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