Vector conversion services

Most photos are raster files in their original state, and have filenames that end in .jpg, .png, .gif, .pdf, or .psd. Raster files are made up of a series of pixels, so they’re great for use online in places like your website or online store.

But when you resize raster files — to put on a huge poster, for example — the images can get pixelated because they rely on the resolution of the image.

Vector files are more mathematical. They’re made up of a series of points on a graph with an X and Y axis that create straight and/or curved paths. Since they’re not made up of pixels, vector images can be resized to any size without sacrificing quality.

The best way to truly convert a raster to a vector file is to expertly recreate the original image by hand. Converting an image from raster to vector involves manually recreating the image in vector format. This process can be automated, but the results usually aren’t ideal.

Automated raster-to-vector conversion creates large files with limited colors that tend to be very inaccurate. The software attempts to understand edges and shapes based off of the colors within the image, but it doesn’t usually get it quite right.

Especially with more detailed images, there’s no substitute for the human eye. Only a real person can interpret what the object is, and understand where the line between object edge and shadow — or object and background — exists.

Vector files are great for most printed materials, including banners, business cards, t-shirts and mugs. They’re also a good way to sharpen older, fuzzy graphics or images you can only find in low resolution. And if you’re creating a new graphic or logo, having the vector helps you avoid any distortion or quality loss when it’s enlarged or printed.

Here are some of the top reasons our clients convert raster images to vector images:

• To convert a photo or hand-drawn image into a graphic
• To lower printing costs by reducing the number of color plates the printer needs to print your image
• To provide vector line art for engraving
• To create and print a sign with custom graphics to promote your business

Vector images have more detail, so you can easily convert vector images to raster on your own. Here’s how:

• Open your image in a raster-based photo-editing application such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or Corel Paintshop Pro. You may see a pop-up window asking you to input the dimensions of your rasterized graphic. If so, set your dimensions to at least 3,000 pixels on the largest side should give you a final graphic large enough for most print and digital retina display applications.
• Click Save As. If you’re using Adobe Illustrator to convert your vector files to raster graphics, choose Export > Export As.
• Under File Type, choose any of these file types to save your image as a raster file: .jpg, .png, .tif, .psd
• If you want to preserve the transparency of your graphic, choose .png (for web or PowerPoint graphics) or .psd (for print graphics or images that require further processing).

That’s it! Once you save your image in one of those formats, it will automatically be saved as a raster image.

Accepted file types:

• .jpg
• .png
• .gif
• .pdf
• .psd

You can receive vectors in the following file types:

• .eps
• .ai
• .svg
• .pdf

Find out more about how our image editing process works.

Vector conversion projects can be as simple as a single-color logo, and as complicated as a detailed piece of artwork with dozens of colors — and the price is set to match the level of complexity and work involved.

Every image is different, but we follow standard pricing guidelines to make sure your rate is always clear and objective, even if you’re working with a different designer. Here’s an overview of how we price vector conversion projects:

Simple logos – $3.99 per image

Great for:

• Simple logos
• Icons

Medium complexity logo – $7.99 per image

These vector conversions involve slightly more complex shapes, often with multiple objects, detailed and curving lines, three or more colors, or more text.

Great for:

• Simple illustrations and graphics

Complex logos – $16.99 per image

Complex vector conversion is used for logos with lots of detail, intricate edges, and multiple colors or shades.

Great for:

• Highly detailed logos
• School or family crests

Simple artwork – $8.99 per image

Simple artwork vector conversion is used to convert illustrations with simple shapes, basic typography and a few different colors into vector files.

Great for:

• Simple illustrations and graphics
• Images with simple fonts or lettering

Medium complexity artwork – $22.99 per image

Medium complexity artwork conversion is used for illustrations and graphics with lots of detail, complex shapes, and multiple colors and shading. These images also often include words with complex lettering or typography.

Great for:

• Detailed illustrations and graphics
• Complex lettering or calligraphy

Complex artwork – $34.99 per image

Finely detailed illustrations and artwork require high complexity vector conversion. These images are quite intricate, with complex shapes and linework, as well as many colors and shading.

Great for:

• Finely detailed and shaded images
• More realistic illustrations

Simple line drawings – $7.99 per image

If you’re starting with an image or photograph and want to convert it into a simple line drawing, this is the way we’ll do it. Simple line drawings include a basic outline and major components of an object, but won’t include intricate linework or fine details.

Great for:

• Simple objects
• Basic outlines of more complex items

Complex line drawings – $24.99 per image

If you want to capture more detail or convert a complex image into a line drawing, this is how we’ll do it.

Great for:

• Complex objects, vehicles or machinery
• Finely detailed items
• Topographic maps

Simple silhouette or illustration – $6.99 per image

Convert a photograph or other image into a simple, one-color silhouette image with a detailed outline and solid fill.

Great for:

• Portrait profile silhouettes
• Action shot silhouettes
• Product silhouettes

Medium complexity silhouette or illustration – $17.99 per image

Convert a photograph or other image into a simple, one-color silhouette image with a detailed outline and solid fill.

Great for:

• Colored illustrations
• Black and white illustrations with added detail

Complex silhouette or illustration – $34.99 per image

If your image or illustration is quite detailed, includes intricate lines or lots of complex colors — including color gradients — it will fit into this category. This category will also fit if you want to convert a photograph into a semi-realistic illustration.

Great for:

• Detailed illustrations
• Images with lots of colors and shading