| Certain stickers we provide require a vector file. What is a vector file? For which stickers do you need that and why? How do you get a vector file? We explain that in our blog this week. |
The term vector file is used for all images that can be enlarged and reduced without any loss of quality. This is not possible with bitmap files (also called raster images). A vector file consists of lines (also called vectors or paths) and a bitmap file consists of pixels. A vector always stays sharp, no matter how big you make it. Bitmap files become brittle if you magnify them too much. You can see this in the image above. The top one is a vector, the bottom one a bitmap.
How do I recognize a vector file?
It is often said that you recognize a vector file by its type, for example EPS, AI or PDF. However, that is not true. You can save a bitmap as EPS. But that doesn’t make it a vector. Only by enlarging a file can you tell if it is a vector file. You can recognize bitmap files by the type of file. For example, JPEG, JPG, PNG, BMP, and GIF files are always bitmap files.
You can also find some cool stickers at file art
Which stickers do you need a vector file for?
For stickers with white, free form stickers and cut text stickers (also called sticky letters) you always need a vector file. We explain this in more detail below. Our other stickers do not necessarily require a vector file. Although it is recommended, for example, if the image has to be greatly enlarged.
File stickers with white
Do you have stickers printed on white vinyl? Then what needs to be white automatically turns white, because no ink is applied there. This is not the case with transparent stickers. Then it becomes transparent instead of white. In that case, do you want to add white to your design? Then you need a transparent sticker with opaque white to order. However, white will not show up in your design. That is why you must indicate in the file that you supply what should be white with C:0 M:0 Y:1 K:0. Because the dividing line between white and the other colors must be a clear line, this is only possible in a vector file.
File free form stickers and cut text stickers With a free form sticker, the sticker is cut in the shape you want. In order to do this, the supplied file must contain a cutting line (also called contour). This can be, for example, the outside of a logo or text. But it can also be a separate cutting line that runs around the image and/or text. Cut text stickers are often used to cut individual letters. A logo or symbol is also possible. Here you also need a cutting line. The outside of the letter is the cutting line. If you use a vector file for this, the lines are neatly straight. With a bitmap file, the lines are brittle, which is why it is not suitable Learn More
