Bitmaps & Vector Images:
Bitmap
Vector
In order to ensure our clients logos or images are imprinted as sharp as possible on their chosen product, bitmap formats often have to be redrawn to be a vectored format.
The difference between these two file types is what they're made up of. Vector graphics are made up of lines and curves. Bitmap graphics are made up of little squares called pixels.
The above graphic is a bitmap (JPEG, GIF, TIF, BMP). You can see how it's made up of a series of pixels. When you enlarge the graphic, the software must guess where to put the extra pixels necessary to make it larger. At a high resolution the pixels are so numerous and small it creates the illusion of a smooth line.
The bottom graphic is vector (AI, EPS, CDR). It can be scaled up or down to any size without losing quality. This is very important because the same graphic can be used for both a pen, and a billboard (while also maintaining the same file size). The lines and curves in a vectored file naturally go from point A to point B. These points are described as anchor points.
A good way to tell if your artwork is vectorized (besides zooming in to look for pixels) is to look for the anchor points. You can see a series of points surrounding all of the edges by clicking on the artwork. If all you see is a box surrounding your entire artwork, it is more than likely a bitmap.
Art Requirements:
Files and Programs we use: Corel Draw 14, Freehand 10, Photoshop 6.
Resolution Requirements: 300dpi
Logos and Graphics given to us in 72dpi, pdf, eps and corel files. Non graphic applications like faxes, photocopies or business cards cannot be used effectively.
If you only have the above mentioned artwork the images will more than likely involve recreation of your artwork to meet industry standards. This procedure is done by our graphic designer at minimal costs.