Vectored Logo. Sounds complicated, but it’s not…
This post will tackle what makes a file vectored and how you can tell. To help explain all of this, I also put together a walk-through video at the bottom of the post, so make sure to check that out.
How Vectored Files are Created
Unlike other types of files, vectored artwork is essentially a digital illustration. Think of it in the same way as your favorite Disney character. Just like Goofy (my favorite) is an illustration, drawn by a computer program, a vector logo or art piece is an illustration as well. By far, the most common program that graphic designers use these days is Adobe Illustrator.
What does it mean to be Vectored?
If a file is vectored, it possesses special powers that no other file type can achieve. Ok, that might be a little dramatic, but it’s also true.
Vectored files can be:
- Re-sized larger or smaller and it won’t pixelate or create blurriness even at billboard sizes
- Vectored artwork can be completely edited (every aspect can be edited or changed)
- Vectored artwork can be sent to other designers for changes or edits without consulting the original creator
- Vectored artwork is generally a small file size since it uses vector points and not pixels
Common File Types:
Can be Vectored:
Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
Encapsulated Post Script (.eps)
Adobe PDF (.pdf)
Note:
Before I go any further, it is important to point out that just because a file ends with one of these suffixes doesn’t automatically mean that it’s vectored. You can’t simply take a jpeg file and re-save it as a .EPS file and expect it to be vectored.
Cannot be Vectored
JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg)
PNG (.png)
TIFF (.tif, .tiff)
GIF (.gif)
Photoshop (.psd, .psb) You may design/ create your trade show display or banner stand artwork using Photoshop, but generally your logo is a vectored file from the above list that is place on your layout template.
How this Relates to your Banner Layout:
Since, I create all of my files in Photoshop (which is a raster program), you might be wondering how all of this ties together. Simply put, I use a raster layout and add in vectored files. Think of it like a living room. Let’s say you have a space that is in need of some interior design. In this analogy, the living room space is our artboard (the raster file), and then we start bringing in furniture (the vectored files) to fill up the space. So, my Photoshop file is the artboard and the files I drop into the artboard are items like vectored logos, vectored designs, as well as non-vectored pieces like high-resolution images, etc.
To further demonstrate all of this, please watch the video below: