Vector Artwork vs. Raster: Key Differences Every Designer Should Know

If you're diving into the world of digital design whether you're a graphic designer, embroidery artist, or just launching your first creative project, understanding the difference between vector artwork and raster images is crucial.

These two file types are often confused, but choosing the wrong one can lead to blurry prints, messy stitches, or pixelated logos. Want your artwork to be perfectly crisp on screen, in print, or embroidered on fabric? This guide has you covered.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to convert vector or raster files into embroidery-ready formats like PES, DST, or JEF, check out Digitizing Buddy. They’ll help you turn your designs regardless of file type into high-quality stitch files compatible with your embroidery machine.

Let’s break down the key differences between vector and raster images, when to use each, and how to choose the right format for your next creative project.

What Is Raster Artwork?

Raster artwork (also known as bitmap images) is made up of tiny pixels. Each pixel contains color information that, together, forms an image—like a digital mosaic.

Common Raster Formats:

• JPG or JPEG (.jpg)
• PNG (.png)
• GIF (.gif)
• BMP (.bmp)
• TIFF (.tif)
• PSD (.psd, Adobe Photoshop)

Characteristics of Raster Images:

• Made up of a fixed grid of pixels
• Best for rich, complex imagery (like photographs)
• Resolution-dependent (can get blurry when scaled)
• Stores detailed color information

Downsides:

If you zoom in or enlarge a raster image, it starts to pixelate (get blurry). That’s why printing a small JPG as a poster—or using it in embroidery without redrawing it—can look messy.

What Is Vector Artwork?

Vector artwork is created using mathematical paths (lines, curves, and shapes) instead of pixels. That means vector graphics are infinitely scalable without losing quality.

Common Vector Formats:

• SVG (.svg)
• AI (.ai, Adobe Illustrator)
• EPS (.eps)
• PDF (.pdf) – when saved with vector data
• CDR (.cdr, CorelDRAW)

Characteristics of Vector Images:

• Made with paths, not pixels
• Can be scaled to any size without loss of quality
• Ideal for logos, text-based designs, and line art
• Easy to edit and customize

Benefits:

• Crisp and clean at any size (from a business card to a billboard)
• Perfect for embroidery digitizing, laser cutting, screen printing, etc.

Raster vs. Vector: Key Differences at a Glance

When to Use Raster Artwork

Raster images are best when you need:

• Photographic detail (e.g., people, landscapes, product photos)
• Web graphics like banners or social media content
• Shading or gradients (raster handles subtle color transitions well)
• Projects that don’t need resizing

Tip: Always work with high-resolution raster files (300 DPI or more) for printing or embroidery digitizing to avoid fuzziness.

When to Use Vector Artwork

Vector is your best friend when:

• You’re designing logos, icons, or text-heavy graphics
• You need to resize designs often for different mediums (stickers, shirts, signs)
• You want clean, sharp lines
• You’re preparing artwork for embroidery digitizing, vinyl cutting, or screen printing
• You want to edit colors and shapes easily later on

For embroidery in particular, vector artwork is the gold standard—it makes digitizing cleaner and faster, resulting in higher-quality stitch files.

Vector vs. Raster in Embroidery Digitizing

If you’re planning to convert artwork into an embroidery file like PES, DST, or JEF, the format you start with matters.

Why Vector Is Better for Embroidery:

• Clean outlines = better stitch paths
• Easier to separate color layers
• Sharp text and shapes are easier to digitize
• Resizable for different hoop sizes or garments
  

That said, you can digitize from raster images like JPG or PNG—but it takes longer and may not be as clean. Services like Digitizing Buddy can work with both, but they’ll always get better results from a vector file.

How to Convert Raster to Vector (If Needed)

Have a logo or drawing in PNG or JPG format but need a vector version?

You Can:

• Use Adobe Illustrator’s Image Trace tool
• Try free vectorization tools like Vectorizer.ai or Inkscape
• Manually redraw the artwork using pen tools (time-consuming but precise)
• Hire a professional vector artist or digitizing service

Auto-tracing doesn’t always give clean results—especially with complex logos. Manual clean-up is often necessary.

Real-World Examples

Can You Use Both Together?

Yes! Many design projects combine both raster and vector elements.

For example:

• A vector logo placed on a raster photo background
• A raster image masked or clipped using vector shapes
• Raster artwork converted into vector outlines for digitizing

That’s why programs like Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW let you work with both types.

Final Tips for Designers & Creators

• Always save your original files (AI, SVG, PSD) in case you need to make changes
• When sending artwork to a printer or digitizer, ask which format they prefer
• Use vector artwork whenever possible for logos and embroidery
• If you must use raster files, make sure they are high-resolution and clear
• Want to simplify the process? Let pros like Digitizing Buddy help convert and digitize your artwork

Final Thoughts: Know the Difference, Design Smarter

Understanding the difference between vector and raster artwork will save you time, money, and a ton of frustration. Whether you’re designing for screen, print, or embroidery, picking the right format is the first step to professional results.

• For embroidery, logos, or anything that needs to scale, vector is the way to go.
• For photo-realistic art, web banners, or casual use, raster works great.

And if you're ever stuck between formats or need help digitizing a logo for embroidery, Digitizing Buddy is just a click away.