Understanding the difference between vector and pixel art is crucial when preparing artwork for printing because it directly affects quality, flexibility, and file handling.
Purely vector-based artwork is highly recommended as it produces the best quality output. It’s typically scalable up or down in size without any loss in image resolution. Typically, file types ending in .ai, .eps, .cdr, .svg, and sometimes .pdf contain only vector-based art files.
Pixel-based (also known as raster or bit-mapped) artwork may be used if the minimum resolution is 300 dpi/ppi (dots/pixels per inch) scaled to the exact size of the label. There should be no file compression. These types of files typically end in .psd, .tif (.tiff) .jpg (.jpeg), .gif, and .bmp. Any compression in these types of files usually produces unwanted artifacts making the image look pixelated (blurry) or distorted in color (see “What are Compression Artifacts?” below).
Occasionally we receive vector-based artwork that has some pixel-based elements included or embedded in the file These types of files generally do not produce good results and should be avoided.
Some Pixel-based artwork files contain file compression. File compression uses algorithms to reduce the file size which can cause a loss of quality and/or detail. Jpeg (.jpg) files use a lossy compression, which means the artwork can be modified slightly to increase compression creating compression artifacts which can make the artwork have noise or halos.
If using a Jpeg format, the file needs to be saved with the high-quality setting. If the artwork is saved at a low-quality setting, image detail will be lost and is not reversible. You will have to revert to a version of the file that was not previously saved with a low-quality setting to restore high quality image settings.
DPI refers to the number of dots (or pixels) per inch in a raster or pixel-based artwork such as an image file like a Jpeg, PNG, TIFF, etc. This can also be referred to as PPI (Pixels Per Inch), which is the same as DPI. The minimum DPI for printing is 300 dpi. The higher the DPI the better the quality of the artwork when the image is at the desired size. If your artwork is only 2” x 1”, the image would have to be at least 600 pixels x 300 pixels. Most software will tell you the DPI (or PPI) of the image and you need to ensure the size is set correctly.
Submitting high-quality images for your labels will allow us to produce the best possible labels for your important applications.
We would love to prep a quote for you.
Give us a call at (855) 855-8833 or use the email form below:
