Use vector artwork when the design must scale, be separated into clean shapes, or support production paths that depend on defined outlines. Use raster artwork when the image is made of pixels, as photographs and many painted textures are. A production package often needs both.
The filename alone does not settle the question. An SVG, EPS, or PDF can contain an embedded low-resolution image. A large PNG can look crisp at one size while still lacking editable paths. Open the file and inspect what it contains.
What vector artwork contains
Vector artwork describes graphic elements through shapes, paths, fills, strokes, and text. The W3C SVG 2 specification describes SVG as a vector graphics format and includes support for shapes, text, and embedded raster images.
That last point matters in a handoff. A file saved as SVG is not automatically composed only of vectors. If a logo includes a placed photograph or flattened texture, scaling the canvas does not create new image detail.
Vector sources are often useful for:
- logos that must appear at many sizes;
- simple icons and line artwork;
- spot-color or shape-separated production;
- cut paths and certain engraving workflows;
- artwork that needs controlled recoloring; and
- clean source geometry for embroidery digitizing.
The receiving vendor still decides which format, color setup, line weight, and production tolerances it accepts.
What raster artwork contains
Raster images store a grid of pixels. Photographs, scanned art, screenshots, and many digital paintings are raster sources. Their usable reproduction size depends on pixel dimensions, intended output, crop, and the receiving process.
A raster image can be the correct source. Converting a photograph to vector paths usually changes its character and creates unnecessary complexity. The better question is whether the image has enough detail for the required size and whether it has been compressed, resampled, or cropped in a way that limits production.
Ask for the original or highest-quality approved source. Downloading a preview from a website or copying an image from a slide deck may discard detail and color information.
Compare the production need
| Use | Usually preferred source | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Logo system | Editable vector master | Correct marks, colors, type treatment, and clear-space rules |
| Photograph in print | High-quality raster original | Pixel dimensions, crop, color handling, and output size |
| Embroidery preparation | Clean vector or clear high-quality reference | Simplification, stitch method, size, garment, and vendor requirements |
| Product mockup | Layered template plus approved artwork | Perspective, print area, color, and whether the mockup is illustrative |
| Cut contour | Vendor-approved vector path | Path naming, offsets, tolerances, and final size |
These are starting points. Production equipment and vendors differ, so obtain the receiving specification before final preparation.
Do not confuse tracing with recovery
Automatic tracing can turn raster edges into vector paths, but it does not recover an original design. Fine curves may become uneven, small gaps may close, text may distort, and colors may multiply into many shapes.
For a simple mark, a careful redraw from an approved reference can produce a usable vector master. The reviewer should compare proportions, spacing, letterforms, colors, and small-size behavior against the authorized artwork. Keep the source reference and record that the vector was recreated rather than supplied as an original.
For detailed illustration or photography, retain the raster source unless the production method calls for a deliberate interpretation. A stylized vector conversion is new artwork and needs approval as such.
Prepare artwork for embroidery separately
Embroidery digitizing is not the same as saving artwork in a different format. The production file has to account for stitch types, sequence, direction, density, underlay, garment behavior, thread choices, and the physical size approved for the item. Very small details or thin lines may need design adjustments.
Provide the cleanest approved artwork, intended dimensions, placement, garment or material information, thread-color direction, and the embroidery vendor's machine or file requirements. A sew-out or vendor sample is the practical review point for physical output.
Brownsofts' Embroidery Digitizing & Vector Art service covers the related production support. The service scope should follow the receiving vendor's requirements and the client's approved source identity.
Build a source-of-truth package
Keep one approved master for each mark or artwork variant. Include a read-only reference sheet showing the expected appearance, names for each variation, approved colors, and where each version may be used. Store exported PNG, JPG, SVG, or PDF files as derivatives rather than treating every export as an independent master.
Before delivery, inspect the actual file contents, fonts or outlined text, linked images, transparency, artboard size, and hidden objects. Then deliver one traceable master and only the output formats the receiving workflow requested.