What is a vector file?

What it means for your file

Logos, type and icons should be vectors: AI, EPS, SVG or vector PDF files. Printers, sign makers and screen printers usually require them.

How to fix it

If your printer sent the file back saying “Your logo is blurry,” the fix page has the step-by-step way to do it yourself, and a fixed price if you’d rather have it done.

How to fix “Your logo is blurry” →

Where else it comes up

• “The images are low resolution”
• “Fonts aren’t embedded, please outline them”
• “Some lines are too thin to print”
• “The barcode is too small to scan”
• “The foil (or spot UV) needs its own layer”
• “The QR code is too small to scan”

Related terms

DPI / PPI (resolution)

DPI or PPI is how many image pixels fall in each printed inch; about 300 is needed for sharp print at normal reading distance.

Raster (bitmap)

A raster image is made of pixels, like a JPEG, PNG or photo, and goes soft or blocky when enlarged beyond its resolution.

Quiet zone

The quiet zone is the blank margin a barcode or QR code needs around it, with nothing printed inside, so a scanner can tell where the code starts and ends.

Safe area (safe zone)

The safe area is the margin inside the trim, usually at least 0.125 in (3 mm), where text and logos should stay so they are never cut off.

Dieline

A dieline is the template that shows where a label or box will be cut, folded and glued, supplied by the printer for the exact size and style.