What is the difference between vector art (like SVG, EPS, AI, PDF) and raster art (like JPG, PNG)?
When you send artwork to your screen printer, one of the first questions you’ll often hear is:
“Do you have that in a vector file?”
It might sound technical, but the difference between vector art (SVG, EPS, AI, PDF) and raster art (JPG, PNG) is huge when it comes to getting your design to look crisp on a t-shirt, hoodie, or tote bag.
Here’s what you need to know before sending files for screen printing.
📐 What Is Vector Art?
Vector art is built using paths and shapes defined by math, not pixels. That means the artwork can be scaled from the size of a pocket print to a giant back print without ever looking blurry or jagged.
Common Vector File Types:
AI – Adobe Illustrator’s native file format.
EPS – A printer-friendly universal vector file.
PDF – Can contain vector art if saved properly.
SVG – Lightweight vector file often used for logos or web graphics.
Why Screen Printers Love Vectors
Clean Lines: Perfect edges for stencils and screens.
Easy Color Separation: Each color can be isolated for its own screen.
Unlimited Size: Works for small chest logos and large back prints without quality loss.
👉 Example: Your logo in vector format will look just as sharp on a business card as it will blown up across the back of a sweatshirt.
🖼️ What Is Raster Art?
Raster art is made of pixels—tiny colored squares that form the whole image. Great for photos, but tricky for screen printing if not set up right.
Common Raster File Types:
JPG – Small, compressed images (often too low-resolution for printing).
PNG – Supports transparency, but still pixel-based.
TIFF – High-quality raster, but large file sizes.
Why Raster Can Be Problematic for Printing
Blurry When Enlarged: If you send a 300px-wide JPG and want it printed 12 inches wide, it’ll look pixelated.
Hard to Separate Colors: Photographic gradients don’t separate into clean, solid inks.
Low Resolution Issues: Screen printing usually requires at least 300 DPI raster art at final print size.
👉 Example: A photo of your team can be printed as a raster image, but it must be high-resolution. A small Facebook profile pic won’t cut it.
🎯 What This Means for You as a Customer
If you’re submitting a logo or graphic design → always send a vector file (AI, EPS, or PDF).
If you’re submitting a photo → make sure it’s high-resolution (300 DPI at print size).
If you only have a raster logo (like a JPG from your website), your printer may need to recreate it as a vector before printing. This is called vectorization and often adds cost.
✅ Final Takeaway
For screen printing, vector files are king. They make your designs cleaner, your prints sharper, and your project easier (and often cheaper) to produce.
Use vector art for logos, text-heavy designs, and solid graphics.
Use high-res raster art for photographs or artwork with gradients.
If you’re unsure which file you have, just ask us! Supplying the right type of file ensures your shirts, hoodies, or tote bags come out looking professional and crisp — every time.