What’s the difference between vector and raster artwork files?

Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) are digital artwork files made from points and curves, meaning they can be scaled to any size without losing sharpness. They’re ideal for screen printing, embroidery, and laser engraving because we can easily separate colours and adjust dimensions without losing quality.

Raster files (JPEG, PNG, PSD) are made from pixels and have a fixed resolution. They can look excellent when they’re high quality, but they’ll lose detail if enlarged beyond their original size. Raster images can work for full-colour digital printing methods like DFT, but not for screen printing or embroidery unless they’re redrawn as vectors. For best results if submitting a raster image, please ensure that it is set up at 300 PPI (pixels per inch) in resolution.

If you’re unsure what type of file you have, we can check for you, our team will quickly identify it and guide you toward the right format.