Preferred File Types

For logos and most designs, our preferred file type is an Adobe Illustrator vector graphic (.ai, .eps, .pdf, or .svg). If it is not possible to get vector art, or if your design is a photograph, submit a high-resolution bitmap image (300 dpi or greater).

What is Vector Art?
A vector is a linear shape represented by a mathematical formula. The advantage of vector art is that it can be saved using a very small file size and can be scaled to any graphic size without quality loss. Vector art is created using graphics software programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw. These programs use shapes, curves, and lines to create art that can be scaled infinitely, without any loss of quality.

The following graphic shows the difference between vector art and bitmap art:

Notice the edges of the design in the bitmap file become distorted when enlarged.

Bitmap graphics, such as photograph files created in Adobe Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, and other bitmap editing programs, can be used for domed labels if you aren’t able to get art in vector form.

Is My Art Vector?
How can you tell if your art is “Vector Art”? One way indicator is the file type. Vector art is usually created in Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw. The most common vector file extensions are .ai, .pdf, .eps, .svg and .cdr.

However, just because a file is saved in one of these formats does not guarantee that it is vector art. It is possible to add a bitmap to a vector file and save it with one of these extensions. Only art created in a vector editing program, is truly vector art.

So, how do you really know if your art file is a vector art file? The only way to know for sure is to open the file and check. If you have a vector editing program, you might see something like this:

See the lines surrounding the letter “D”? Those are vector editing nodes. If you see lines like that after selecting the design, congratulations! You have vector art.

Easy enough, if you have the proper software. But most people do not own a copy of a vector editing program. In which case you can send the file to us and we can check for you.

My Art Isn’t Vector! What Now?
The file that you have might not be the only one out there. If you had a professional designer create your design, contact them and ask for the vector files. If you work in a large company, contact your company’s marketing department or design department.

If, after all of this, you discover that you have a non-vector art file and you want the clean graphics advantages of vector art, there’s only one thing to do: hire a graphic designer to re-create your design as vector art.