In the world of embroidery digitizing, graphic design, and printing, understanding the difference between raster and vector art is fundamental. Whether you’re preparing a logo for embroidery, a patch design, or custom apparel, knowing how each file type works determines your final result’s quality, scalability, and stitch accuracy.
While both raster and vector files represent visual artwork, they are built differently — and that difference impacts how designs are digitized, resized, or edited.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what raster and vector art are, how they differ, when to use each one, and why vector art is so valuable in embroidery digitizing.
What is Raster Art?
Raster art (also called bitmap images) is made up of tiny individual pixels arranged in a grid. Each pixel contains color information, and together they form a complete image.
Common raster file formats include:
-
JPEG (.jpg)
-
PNG (.png)
-
GIF (.gif)
-
BMP (.bmp)
-
TIFF (.tif)
Raster images are best for photographs, detailed color gradients, and web graphics. However, since they are pixel-based, enlarging them often causes blurriness or pixelation.
Example
A 500×500 pixel logo looks sharp on a website but becomes blurry when enlarged to fit on a jacket or banner. This makes raster art less ideal for embroidery digitizing, where crisp edges and precise outlines are essential.
What is Vector Art?
Vector art is built using mathematical equations instead of pixels. Every line, curve, and shape is defined by coordinates (paths) rather than dots.
Common vector file formats include:
-
AI (Adobe Illustrator)
-
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
-
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
-
PDF (if created as vector-based)
-
CDR (CorelDRAW)
Vector images are infinitely scalable — meaning they can be resized from a tiny logo to a full wall mural without losing quality. This makes vector art the preferred choice for embroidery digitizing, screen printing, and CNC cutting.
Key Differences Between Raster and Vector Art
| Feature | Raster Art | Vector Art |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Made of pixels | Made of paths and shapes |
| Scalability | Loses quality when enlarged | Infinite scalability |
| File Size | Larger for high resolution | Generally smaller and more efficient |
| Best Use Case | Photographs, digital painting | Logos, typography, embroidery designs |
| Editability | Limited — difficult to edit details | Easy to modify individual shapes |
| Embroidery Suitability | Poor for digitizing | Excellent for digitizing |
| Color Handling | Complex gradients | Flat, solid colors ideal for embroidery |
In short:
-
Raster = photo-based, pixel-dependent.
-
Vector = shape-based, infinitely scalable.
Why Vector Art is Preferred in Embroidery Digitizing
When preparing artwork for embroidery, clean edges and sharp lines are vital. Embroidery machines follow stitches based on precise outlines, and vector graphics provide just that — mathematical precision.
Here’s why vector art is ideal for embroidery digitizing:
1. Easy Conversion to Stitch Paths
Digitizing software like Wilcom, Pulse, or Hatch converts vector paths directly into stitch directions. Since the outlines are smooth, the stitches follow clean curves and shapes, producing professional results.
2. Scalability Without Distortion
If a client requests the same logo in different sizes (cap logo, left chest, jacket back), vector files can be resized easily without distortion. Raster files, however, require re-digitizing each time due to pixel breakdown.
3. Better Color Separation
Embroidery requires distinct color blocks for different thread colors. Vector art simplifies this by using solid fill colors, making color separation quick and accurate.
4. Efficient Editing and Revisions
Need to adjust lettering, add an outline, or change shape dimensions? With vector art, it’s fast and precise. Raster editing is time-consuming and often results in visible artifacts.
When Raster Art Can Still Be Useful
While vector art is preferred, raster images still play a role in embroidery preparation:
-
Reference Artwork: Clients often send raster logos or product photos as references. Digitizers use them to trace or recreate clean vector versions.
-
Textured Mockups: Raster images are used to display embroidered previews or mockups for clients before final production.
-
Photo-Realistic Prints: In sublimation or direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, raster images are essential for full-color photos and gradients.
However, for embroidery purposes, these raster files usually need conversion to vector format before digitizing.
How to Convert Raster Art into Vector
If your client provides a raster image (like a JPG or PNG), it needs to be vectorized before embroidery digitizing. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Manual Tracing (Preferred Method)
A skilled graphic artist uses vector software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW to manually trace outlines, shapes, and text. This ensures accuracy and clean edges suitable for digitizing.
2. Auto-Trace Tools (Quick but Risky)
Some software offers automatic vector conversion (auto-trace). However, auto-traced results can have uneven edges or overlapping paths, which cause issues during digitizing.
3. Professional Vector Conversion Services
For best results, many embroidery businesses rely on vector art services like those offered by 360 Digitizing Solutions. Professionals manually recreate raster logos into smooth, scalable vector art, ready for embroidery, printing, or cutting.
Common Mistakes When Using Raster Art for Embroidery
-
Using Low-Resolution Images: Small images (e.g., 200×200 px) blur during resizing and make tracing difficult.
-
Ignoring Pixelation: Pixel edges lead to rough stitch outlines.
-
Skipping Vector Conversion: Trying to digitize directly from a raster file causes jagged edges and poor stitch results.
-
Overlooking Color Correction: Raster files can contain subtle gradients or color variations that don’t translate to thread colors.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your digitized designs look clean, professional, and stitch-ready.
Best Practices for Designers and Digitizers
✔ Always Request Vector Files from Clients
Ask for AI, EPS, or SVG versions of the logo before starting the digitizing process. This reduces editing time and ensures accuracy.
✔ Save Vector Files in Multiple Formats
Save files in EPS, PDF, and SVG formats to ensure compatibility across embroidery and design software.
✔ Simplify Complex Artwork
Gradients and shadows in raster files don’t translate well to threadwork. Simplify your artwork into flat colors and solid fills for clean stitching.
✔ Keep Backup Files Organized
Maintain an organized library of vector files for each client, categorized by version and date. This helps when resizing or updating designs later.
Vector vs Raster in Real-World Embroidery Examples
| Application | Preferred Format | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Logo Digitizing | Vector (AI, EPS) | Clean edges and easy scaling |
| Photo Stitching | Raster (JPG, PNG) | For realism-based embroidery art |
| Patch Creation | Vector | Accurate shapes and lettering |
| DTG Printing | Raster | Needed for full-color gradients |
| Laser Cutting / Vinyl | Vector | Path-based cutting precision |
So, if you’re working on a company logo, name badge, or patch, vector art will always deliver superior results.
Why 360 Digitizing Solutions Recommends Vector Artwork
At 360 Digitizing Solutions, our team handles thousands of embroidery digitizing projects monthly. One of the key factors behind perfect stitch results is starting with clean, vector-based artwork.
We often receive low-quality raster logos that require complete vector conversion before digitizing. By recreating them as smooth, scalable vector files, we ensure flawless machine stitching, reduced thread breaks, and faster production.
Whether you need vector art conversion, logo digitizing, or custom patch design, starting with vector art saves time, reduces costs, and guarantees professional-quality embroidery.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between raster and vector art is more than just design knowledge — it’s a technical necessity for embroidery digitizing.
Raster images are perfect for web and print photos, while vector art is the backbone of embroidery and logo digitizing. It ensures precision, scalability, and consistency across all design applications.
Before starting any embroidery project, make sure your artwork is vectorized — it’s the first and most important step toward achieving clean, beautiful, and professional results.
And if you ever receive a raster logo that needs cleaning up or conversion, trust professionals like 360 Digitizing Solutions to turn it into a flawless, stitch-ready vector file.
