There are two types of art files, bitmap (also called raster) art and vector. So what's the difference?
Bitmap (Raster) art are images made from pixels, like photographs or designs created in apps such as Photoshop . Common bitmap file types are jpg, png, and tiff
Vector art are designed in vector apps such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Affinity Designer, or free alternatives like Inkscape. Vector art images are created with points and lines, using mathematics to create designs. Vector art can be reduced and increased in size without ever losing it's quality. Common vector art files are ai, eps, svg, and pdf.
Vector art is the preferred file types for creating decals, stickers, and signage, with the ability to change size without quality loss, easy color changes, or altering designs to fit areas where it will be applied.
Bitmap files such as jpg and png are size and resolution dependent. For example a 40" x 25" 72 dpi original image will print well as a 12" image, but won't if you want to go larger. A large 72 dpi image can be saved to a smaller size at a higher resolution such as 300 dpi for better print quality, but going larger from a smaller size will just become more pixelated.
PNG FILES ARE THEY VECTOR?
Png files are NOT vector files. They have the ability to be saved with a transparent background, but they are not vector. There are websites out there that state png files are vector, but this is a lie, they are resolution and size dependent. Low resolution and small sizes will produce poor results.
WILL SAVING A PNG OR JPG TO A VECTOR FILE MAKE IT VECTOR?
No it won't, you cannot re-save a bitmap image file to a vector file extension to make it vector. There are no shortcuts in converting bitmap to vector. Unless you use a high end vector conversion app or redraw the image in a vector design software, you can't achieve good quality art by simply saving an image file to an svg or pdf file.
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