What is vector format and why must I use it?
What is vector format and why must I use it?

Bitmap Image and Vector Image
      At first, When we look at the two style of images about vector and bitmap, we will not be able to tell the difference between a vector and a bitmap image except for the file type (The last digits after the "." on a file. Such as: .jpg). They both look identical as below.
Bitmap Image and Vector Image

The difference between the two images
     To view a vector file, you must have a professional art program such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw. When using one of these programs, you can easily tell the difference between a bitmap and a vector file.
The difference between the two

Converted to curves
     In a professional program, you will also be able to click on a vector object and you will be able to see the actual outlines and curves, this is why we refer to vector as being "converted to curves or outlines".
Converted to curves

So why must we use vector when the logo will be smaller on the badge?
     Aside from being more precise, a vector format is not a flat image. The bitmap on the right in the picture below is flat because it is stuck to the white square and cannot be taken out, which is the case in almost all bitmap images. Listed below are also several of the extensions you will find these types of images in.
repeat imprinted lanyard

How do I get my logo into a vector format if it is a bitmap?
     Can I just drag it into a program such as Adobe Photoshop and save it as an .eps file?
     NO!!! This is Most Common Mistake!! Saving a bitmap inside a file type like .eps or .ai will not turn it into a vector file! It will only embed the bitmap in the file. You can not just simple drag abitmap into an .ai , cdr, eps file. The artwork that created in another program and only saved as one of these files extensions cannot guarantee as acceptable artwork. For example, a JPEG saved in Illustrator as an "ai" file does not make it a vector file.
Some professional programs have a function to trace a bitmap into vector, but even still it can be a difficult process without knowledge.
     So if you do not have image file in vector format already, it must be recreated. There is an options for getting your bitmap into a vector file. We offer a lower charge of $38 an hour to recreate and give you your for your future use.