Vector vs Raster Logos: What Designers Need to Know
Kwaku Amprako is a logo design expert & visual identity designer, speaker, educator, and founder of Akrivi — Shaping the future of logo and identity design. Get in touch→
What’s the Difference Between Vector and Raster Logos?
The short answer:
Vector logos are resolution-independent and scalable to any size without losing quality. Raster logos are pixel-based and can become blurry when resized.
For professional logo design, vector formats are the industry standard.
If you’re working in logo design—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer—understanding the difference between vector and raster formats is essential. It’s one of the most overlooked fundamentals in identity design, but it directly affects how logos are used, exported, and reproduced across various mediums.
In this guide, we’ll break down the core differences between vector and raster logos, explain when to use each format, and show you why vector files are non-negotiable in professional branding work.
What Are Vector and Raster Logos?
Before we compare the two side by side, let’s examine each of these two formats and why the difference is crucial when doing design work professionally.
Raster Logos (Pixel-Based)
Raster logo consists of small colored squares, known as pixels. These files are resolution-specific because of their fixed number of pixels. And if they are enlarged beyond their native resolution, they become blurry and pixelated.
Common raster formats
- JPEG (.jpg) – Often used for web, but loses quality with compression
- PNG (.png) – Supports transparency; great for online use
- GIF (.gif) – Limited to 256 colors; rarely used for modern branding
- TIFF (.tiff) – High-quality but bulky; more common in photography
Raster images are ideal for photographs and rich web visuals — not for logos that need to scale across billboards, apps, or packaging.
Vector Logos (Math-Driven)
A vector logo is defined by paths, points, and curves using mathematical formulas. These files are infinitely scalable, maintain sharpness at any size, and are easy to edit.
Common vector formats
- AI (.ai) – Adobe Illustrator’s native format
- SVG (.svg) – Perfect for web and responsive environments
- EPS (.eps) – Widely used in print workflows
- PDF (.pdf) – Can retain full vector properties if saved correctly
For identity designers, vector formats are the professional standard — offering flexibility, quality, and control.
Vector vs Raster Logos: Key Differences
Verdict: Always create logos in vector format — then export raster versions (like PNGs) when needed.
Why Vector Formats Are Non-Negotiable in Logo Design
A logo must be functional at every scale — from a favicon on a mobile browser to a banner on the side of a stadium. Vectors allow for this flexibility.
Real-World Examples
- A brand in London needs to print its logo on fleet vehicles — vector files are essential for maintaining clarity.
- A client in Riyadh wants responsive logos on their website — SVG files load fast and stay crisp on high-DPI screens.
- A startup in Berlin sends a PDF brand guide to printers and freelancers — without vectors, print quality suffers.
Common Mistakes Designers Make with Raster Logos
- Creating Logos in Photoshop Instead of Illustrator
Photoshop is a raster-based tool. Designing logos there means your files are baked into pixels from the start — not ideal. - Exporting PNGs or JPEGs as Final Deliverables
These are fine for web use, but not for master logo files. Clients need editable, scalable versions. - Sending Flattened Files to Printers or Clients
Without vector paths, files can’t be color-edited, resized properly, or reused in different formats.
These issues are more common than you’d think—and they’re just a few of the mistakes that can hurt your logo design process. If you want to go deeper, check out this blog post on 5 mistakes every logo designer should avoid to strengthen your workflow and avoid costly errors.
Free Tools for Vector Logo Design Creation
To help you work smarter and speed up your workflow, I’ve put together a set of free resources designed specifically for logo designers.
Free Downloads:
- Golden Ratio Grid Template (.AI) – Use the classic proportion system to build balanced, timeless logos.
- Logo Grid eBook – Learn how to master logo grids inside vector based platform Adobe Illustrator.
- Free Logo Grid Generator Scripts – Automatically generate logo alignment grids and save hours of manual work.
Each tool is built with one purpose: to help you design logos faster, with more accuracy and confidence.
You can also check out this blog where I break down the best Adobe Illustrator plugins for logo designers looking to upgrade their process.
FAQs: Vector vs Raster Logos
Can I convert a raster logo to vector?
Yes, using Illustrator’s Image Trace tool — but the results often require manual refinement.
Do I need both vector and raster versions of a logo?
Ideally, yes. Design in vector, then export raster versions for web use as needed.
What’s the best tool to design vector logos?
Adobe Illustrator, especially when enhanced with Akrivi’s plugins, scripts, and templates.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between vector and raster logos is essential for any designer working with brand identity.
While raster formats have their place in web previews and mockups, vector files are the foundation of professional logo design.
Always create in vector, then export raster versions when needed.
This approach gives you flexibility, precision, and the confidence that your work will scale across every platform and medium.
On a mission to simplify brand identity design, I build tools and workflows that help designers work faster, smarter, and with more precision—minus the friction.
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