Definition: Vector graphics are digital images constructed from mathematical equations that define geometric shapes — points, lines, curves, and polygons — rather than a fixed grid of pixels. Because the image is defined mathematically rather than as a grid of dots, vector graphics can be scaled to any size — from a 16-pixel favicon to a 3-metre printed banner — with perfect sharpness and no loss of quality. The most common vector file formats are SVG (for web), AI (Adobe Illustrator, for print and design work), and EPS (for professional print production).
Why It Matters: Vector format is the correct format for logos, icons, illustrations, and any graphic that must appear at multiple sizes across different media. A logo saved only as a JPEG or PNG (raster formats) becomes pixelated and blurry when scaled up — a common problem for businesses that receive their logo as a low-resolution image file and then try to use it on a banner, vehicle wrap, or printed material. Professional designers always deliver final logos and icons in vector format, and businesses should ensure they retain the original vector files (AI or EPS) alongside the raster versions (PNG, WebP) for digital use. Understanding the difference between vector and raster is foundational knowledge for anyone briefing designers or managing brand assets.
How It Works: Vector graphics are created and edited in vector design applications — primarily Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, or Sketch. The SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format is used for web delivery: SVG files can be embedded directly in HTML, styled with CSS, and animated with JavaScript — making them the ideal format for web icons, logos, and UI graphics. They are also typically smaller in file size than equivalent raster images for simple shapes, improving page load speed. Raster images (JPEG, PNG, WebP) are still appropriate for photographs and complex imagery with many colour gradients — vector is best suited to graphics with defined shapes and flat or limited colour fills. Most design handoff tools (Figma, Zeplin) export assets in both SVG and PNG formats for different use cases.
Related: Logo Design, Brand Style Guide, Page Speed, Responsive, Wireframe