File formats demystified

Vector Images Explained

These images are vastly different from raster images. The very process the computer used to produce the image you see is in no way comparable.

Whereas a raster image is a series of colored pixels, a vector image is a graphical representation of mathematical objects such as lines, curves, polygons and its like. These graphics are generated by computer and they follow x and y axis as their reference definition.

Because every item and object in a vector file is created as the file is opened and it is all done mathematically, the file is practically an infinitely scalable image without loss of quality – the opposite of a raster image which will lose quality if enlarged. Scaling is done by the software when instructed to increase the size of the image, it multiplies each number in the file by the same amount so when it is drawn, the image looks exactly the same regardless of size.

It is the mathematical nature of vector files that makes them necessary for any equipment that relies on a list of directions to print or cut a product.

For information on Raster type images, please click here.

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If you still have questions, please feel free to contact a Welch representative.