You’ve got your logo. It looks great on your screen. But then your print vendor emails you: “Do you have a vector file?” And you’re thinking… what even is that?
If you’re not familiar with design lingo, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here's a plain-language breakdown of what it all means, and why it’s crucial when it comes to printing your campaign signs, shirts, stickers, and more.
There are two basic types of image files: Raster and Vector.
✅ Vector = Clean and Adjustable
A vector file is like a blueprint. Instead of being made of tiny dots (pixels), it's made of lines, shapes, and instructions that tell a computer how to draw it at any size. That means:
.AI, .EPS, or .SVG, and are made in programs like Adobe Illustrator.If you're printing campaign materials, this is what you want.
❌ Raster = Pixel-Based and Limiting
A raster file is like a photograph or a puzzle made of tiny square pieces. When you zoom in or try to enlarge it, it gets fuzzy or pixelated. That’s a problem when you're trying to print something big—like a banner or yard sign.
.JPG, .PNG, or .GIF.Great question. A PDF can either be vector or raster, depending on how it was made.
Think of a PDF like a suitcase—it can hold high-quality vector art or just a flat image inside. It depends on what your designer packed into it.
Quick test: Zoom in on the logo in the PDF. If it stays sharp at 400%, it's probably vector. If it looks fuzzy, it’s raster.
Still unsure? Send it to us—we’ll take a look for free and let you know if it’s print-ready or if it needs to be rebuilt.
Your campaign logo is going to be printed hundreds—maybe thousands—of times. If the artwork isn't set up right, it can cause delays, unexpected costs, or worse: signs and merch that look fuzzy or off-brand.
Having the right file saves you time, money, and stress.
The Blue Deal is a women-owned, union print shop that works with campaigns like yours every day. We know the difference between a file that works and one that doesn't.
If you’re not sure your logo is print-ready, email it to us at sales@thebluedeal.com. We’ll take a look—and help you get across the finish line.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
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