What is a vector file? A complete guide to vector graphics, formats, and how to create them

Simply put, a vector file is a digital image format based on mathematical formulas and composed of points, lines, and curves rather than pixels. They are the go-to format for logos, typography, and illustrations because they maintain sharpness at any size. In this article, we will explain what vector files are, the most common formats, and how to create them.

What is a vector image?

Unlike pixel-based images, vector images are defined by mathematical paths. This means they scale infinitely without any loss of quality. For instance, no matter how much you zoom in on a vector image, its edges will stay crisp.

This makes vectors ideal for anything that needs to be expanded into different formats and used in different contexts. Say, for example, you are editing a company logo: once you save it as a vector, you could use it for a business card, a website header, or a billboard, and it will look as sharp in every single case. That’s because the math recalculates at any dimension you need.

Vector vs. raster images: what's the difference?

If you've worked in design for any length of time, you already know the difference between vector and raster, but it's worth revisiting because choosing the wrong format can create real headaches down the line.

The most straightforward way to recognize a vector from a raster file is zooming in on the image: if it shows pixelated edges, it’s raster; if the lines stay sharp, it’s vector. That’s because their fundamental distinction is in resolution. Vector files aren't limited by resolution: no matter how large or small you make them, the software recalculates the paths, and the result is always sharp. Raster files, on the other hand, are resolution-dependent. They're composed of a fixed number of pixels, and when you scale them beyond their original dimensions, quality degrades, resulting in a blurry or pixelated look.

Their second major difference is file size. Raster files, especially high-resolution photographs, can be huge because they contain millions of pixels and a large amount of color data. Their size can, in some cases, affect device storage space and slow page loading. However, they can be compressed to be shared faster. Vector files, on the other hand, are usually much lighter, since they store only the mathematical instructions needed to render the image, not the image data itself.

When it comes to color, raster files have the advantage. Common raster formats, like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and PSD, support a much wider color range and allow for fine color editing, gradients, and subtle light and shadow, which is why photographs are almost always raster files. Vectors handle solid colors and gradients well, but they're not suited to the kind of specialized color work you'd do in photo retouching.

In terms of compatibility, raster files are universally accessible and open in any browser, on any device, with any image viewer. Vectors require professional software that can interpret their format, or a browser that supports SVG.

As a general rule, use a vector for anything that needs to scale cleanly and remain editable: logos, icons, typography, and illustrations. Use raster for photographs, complex digital paintings, and any visual where color depth and detail matter more than scalability.

Common vector file types and when to use them

Not all vector formats are the same. Each has its strengths depending on whether you're designing for the web, preparing files for print, or collaborating with clients. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): The standard format for web graphics, since files are lightweight, infinitely scalable, and supported by all modern browsers. SVGs can even be styled and animated with CSS, making them a great choice for interactive UI elements, icons, and logos. However, highly complex illustrations can make SVG files too heavy, so it's worth keeping an eye on file size.

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript): An older format, it's still widely requested, particularly by print shops and service bureaus that work with legacy systems. If a printer asks for an EPS file, this is your format. For newer workflows, PDF has largely replaced EPS, but it's worth keeping EPS export in your toolkit for compatibility.

PDF (Portable Document Format): The industry standard for print-ready files. It supports vectors, raster images, and embedded fonts within a single document, and it preserves layouts with complete precision. It's also the most practical format for sharing work with clients. Virtually anyone can open a PDF, and, depending on how it's exported, it can even retain vector-editability for further adjustments.

There are also vector image formats tied to popular software that make collaboration easier. For example:

AF (Affinity): It supports both vector and raster editing in a single file, storing shapes, layers, effects, text, and embedded images, all while maintaining full scalability and editability. Since Affinity is completely free, it's easy for everyone to access, edit, and share files without barriers.

How to create vector graphics

Vector graphics are created in dedicated professional design software, like Affinity. Depending on your starting point, there are two main approaches: tracing an existing image or building paths from scratch manually.

Image tracing

If you have a raster image, such as a PNG logo scan, most vector applications include an auto-trace feature that converts it into vector paths automatically.

In Affinity, make sure you are in the Vector Studio, then from the top menu, click on Vector > Image Trace.

In the Image Trace window, enable split view to compare the original with the traced result, and use the sliders to fine-tune the output (i.e., how rounded you want the corners to be). Once you are happy with how your logo looks, click “Apply”.

It's a fast and accessible method, but auto-tracing isn't perfect. It can struggle with sharp corners, fine details, and complex shapes, often producing rounded or slightly inaccurate paths that need manual correction afterward.

Manual tracing

For precise, high-quality results, manual tracing with the Pen Tool is the most reliable approach. Working over a raster reference image, you place anchor points and draw curves to recreate the artwork as clean vector paths. It takes more time and patience, but it gives you complete control over every point and curve.

Step 1: Set up your workspace. In Affinity Vector Studio, go to View > Snapping and disable "Force Pixel Alignment", then close the menu. Select your image in the Layers panel, and reduce the opacity to 50%; this lets you trace over it without the original image getting in the way.

Step 2: Trace the outline with the Pen Tool. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar. In the settings menu, make sure "Rubber Band Mode" is enabled. Click on your image to place your first anchor point, then continue clicking along the outline of your logo to build up the path. Don't worry about the lines following every curve perfectly, as you can fine-tune them later.

Step 3: Refine the curves with the Node Tool. Once you have a rough outline, switch to the Node Tool. Click and drag the line segments to match the curves of your shapes. For finer adjustments, click an individual node to reveal its handles, then drag them to adjust the curvature until the path closely follows the original graphic.

Step 4: Color and finish the traced path. Once you are done, click on the logo and drag it out of the way. Click the background layer and bring its opacity back to 100%.

Then select the curve layer and use the color picker to fill it with the same color as the logo. Click Stroke, then Style, and select the X to remove the outline.

Step 5: Trace the rectangle. Move the image back into place. Enable snapping (the magnet-shaped button on the top-right of the menu bar), then pick the Rectangle Tool and place the shape over your logo by positioning the cursor at the top-left corner and dragging it down.

From the top bar, click on Corner and select Rounded from the dropdown menu — you can then adjust the roundness to match the logo. Move the logo image out of the way again and then select the Color tab to use the color picker and add color to the rectangle.

That's it; you now have your logo as a clean vector.

Vector files: the foundation of scalable design

Vector files are at the foundation of design. Knowing when to pick an SVG over a PDF, why your logo should never live as a JPEG, or how to recover a raster image by manually tracing it are the kinds of skills that save you time and prevent errors in the design process. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your workflow, the principles are the same: wherever scalability and editability matter, use vectors, and you'll always have a file that's ready for whatever comes next.

Ready to put it into practice? Open Affinity’s Vector Studio and try tracing your first logo.