Raster vs Vector

We receive low quality or bad artwork every week to print samples from prospects.  The expression “Garbage In, Garbage Out” rings true when it comes to label printing.

I’ve written about the issue of bad artwork before; especially around font print quality.

Recently, I received an excellent document from Afinia that lays out the differences between Vector and Raster graphics; and when to use each type in the creation of artwork.  Get it here:

Tony Molina, our Graphic Artist, gave me a simple definition of the two types of graphics:  “Raster are pixels and Vectors are lines.”  Wikipedia says Vector Graphics are defined by 2D points: 

Raster Graphics are defined by a rectangle grid of pixels: 

When asked why did Afinia decide to create this collateral piece, Mike Atkins, National Sales Manager for Afinia Label said, “The issue of art quality comes up all the time.  And we get asked about artwork creation; this piece gives ideas on how to create better label artwork.  Our goal is to show how Afinia printers produce high print quality; and it starts with good artwork.”

Raster Vs Vector Graphics

Continuing, Mike says, “Vector graphics are great for logos, text and curves.    They create smoother graphics and are scalable.  Raster images are pictures and are not scalable without looking pixelated.”

During our discussion, I realized that I wanted to be like Mike, when he said “I hate JPEG files”.  I agree with him that you can’t print JPEG files easily.  Mike says, “PDF files are just easier to print.  Anyone can open up in Adobe Reader if you don’t have to merge variable data.  If I receive a PROOF file with other stuff on it, I can open up in Illustrator and get rid of the die cut lines, etc. easily.”

In many or most files, you’ll use both types of graphics. 

Raster AND Vector Graphics

“In the above image, the background is a photo (pixel based) and the logo in the foreground is a vector-based design”, says Mike.  Continuing, “the combination is very common”.

“I create original artwork such as logos in Illustrator and adjust photos in Photoshop.  In Photoshop, I use a minimum of 300 DPI to make sure photos print OK. Then, I bring the two type of graphics together in InDesign or Quark before creating the final artwork as a PDF” says Tony.

Typical Label Artwork Setup

Artwork creation makes a big difference in the print quality of the printers we sell.  Remember the expression: “you can’t make a silk purse out of pig’s ear.”

  

Contact us if we can support your artwork creation or your label printing.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com