The Importance of Working with Vector Graphics
When creating any digital assets, there are two main methods: BITMAP or VECTOR.
Bitmap is essentially made up of number of small boxes (pixels) which are each individually coloured to create a specific image.
The density of the pixels on an artboard can be changed in the initial stages, which is referred to as DPI (dots per inch). The DPI scale defines the image resolution.
The higher the DPI number, the greater the detail in the makeup of the image and the greater the chance of scaling any image up to a large size successfully.
The main inhibiting factor with Bitmap images is that once the size and resolution have been defined, it is not possible to change them. This includes the colours each of the individual pixels are set to.
Any attempt to adjust colouring will affect all the colours in the image instead of the one specific shade.
If you create a logo at 500x500mm, any upward scaling of that image with present a loss in quality in the form of a blurring of the edges between different colours of the graphic, known as pixelation.
As an industry we will always try to work in Vector format graphics.
Vector images are made up of lines and curves that are defined by mathematical algorithms. Vector graphics are generally better for creating layouts because they can be scaled to any size without losing resolution and the relationships between various aspects can be adjusted at any point.
As the scale is increased, the proportion of the algorithm remains constant so the relationship between various aspects within a shape remains the same regardless of size.
Unlike Bitmap images, any colours within a vector image are defined as a fill within the boundary of the shape which can be changed at any point.
With the digital cutting methods present in our industry, vector graphics give a defined edge for our plotting machines to follow, creating an accurate cut line and the opportunity to remove any excess unrequired backgrounds.
Bitmap images are defined as a single piece and obtaining an accurate cut line is much more challenging. The cut line tends to find the edge of each of the individual pixels which make up the image giving a ragged edge to any cut.
This all gives it the opportunity to change colours as we need, adjusting to suit material properties to ensure a consistency across different mediums, to break apart and rebuild the image depending on final application and to rearrange items if required to fit the aspect ratio of and surfaces we are applying signage to.
