A vector file describes artwork as points, lines and curves rather than as a grid of colored pixels. Common vector formats are SVG, EPS, AI and many PDFs. Because the shapes are recalculated at whatever size you need, a vector logo looks just as crisp on a pen as it does on the side of a building.
The opposite is a raster image, such as a JPG or PNG, which is made of a fixed number of pixels. Blow a raster image up and the edges turn soft or blocky. That is why sign shops, embroiderers, screen printers and engravers ask for vector artwork: their machines follow clean paths, not pixels.
Say a coffee roaster called Ember & Oak only has its logo as a small PNG pulled from its website. It looks fine online, but the sign maker needs a vector to cut vinyl letters for the shop window.
In aiKit, Vectorize Kit traces your own file into a true vector, scores how closely it matches the original, and downloads it as SVG, EPS, PDF and see-through PNG. Real vector files you upload keep their own paths instead of being traced again.
Related terms
See it in practice
How to turn a logo into a vector file, even from a blurry JPG
Turn a blurry JPG, PNG or phone photo of a logo into a clean vector (SVG, EPS, PDF) with a match score, every color version and a print check.
GuideHow to add bleed to a PDF for printing
Add 1/8 inch bleed to a PDF in plain words: aiKit extends the art past the cut, sets the print boxes, checks the file and gives you a proof to approve.
Use casePrint-ready files for print shops: fix customer art by asking
Fix customer files by asking: add bleed, resize, check, set PDF boxes. Get a print-ready PDF, a file check and a proof link. Free to start.
Use caseOnline proofing for print shops: a clear, signed yes on every job
Send print proofs with cut and safe lines. Customers pin comments and approve by typed name from a phone, no account. Free to start with aiKit.
Use caseVirtual samples for promo products, in every color, with a spec sheet
Put a customer's logo on shirts, caps, mugs and signs in every color, check the decoration, and send a spec sheet and approval link. Free to start.