Vectors and Bitmaps are the two most widely used formats used for displaying and printing graphical images on a PC.  Both formats are used extensively in the sign and graphics industry (as well as others) with each having their own distinct characteristics and limitations.

VECTORS can best compared to a dot-to-dot coloring book.  By connecting a series of dots (points) in a closed pattern, you can create a shape.  For instance, a square would have four equally spaced points connected by four lines around the perimeter.  When a "closed" path is created, whereas there are no open spaces in the dot-to-dot connection, the interior can be filled with a color to create a filled design.  Combining a series of shapes filled with differing colors creates an graphic (picture).  Vector pictures are commonly referred to as clip art.  To create a sign using vinyl, we need the lettering, logos or other graphics to be in a Vector format.  Computerized cutters called Plotters use an intricate knife to follow the outside perimeter of the Vector to produce the detailed vinyl sections needed to construct a sign.  Vectors can easily be resized bigger or smaller without losing quality.  It is also possible to manipulate the points of a Vector graphic to change it's appearance without distorting the overall appearance of the picture.  Popular Vector-based design programs include Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw.  The file extensions for some of the more popular Vector files are .AI, .CDR, .WMF, .CGM and .EPS (note that some of these files may also contain bitmaps if they were included in the drawing, but in their native format these are Vector files).

BITMAPS are best compared to a photograph (which they generally are).  To produce a Bitmap, the computer uses a series of dots (pixels) of varying colors placed side-by-side.  When there is a large enough series of dots, a visible image is produced.  Increasing the number of dots will increase the size and quality of an image (and increase the size of the resulting computer file as well).  Bitmaps do not work for vinyl cut signs because there is no outside path for the cutter to follow.  If we are going to use a Bitmap to produce a vinyl sign, we first have to use a trace program to convert the file to Vector.  A trace program looks for dots of a similar color and then draws an outline around the like color group.  Tracing a Bitmap can take a lot of work to "clean up" the resulting trace file so that it will look good on the final project.  With the new digital imaging capabilities available at Sign Pro, we are able to print Bitmap images on vinyl that can then be applied to various materials (Vectors can also be printed).  For a quality reproduction, an original Bitmap in a high resolution is needed (with a lot of pixels).  Small Bitmaps can be stretched to a larger size, but quality is lost and the image will appear fuzzy (since enlarging only makes the pixels larger, it does not add new pixels to the stretched image).  The use of Bitmaps on signs has vastly expanded what can be included on the finished project.  No longer are you limited to varying layers of vinyl to produce a finished image.  Bitmaps come in various formats as well with the most popular being .JPG and .GIF files (widely used on the Internet) as well as .BMP.

Generally speaking, Vectors are preferred for basic logos, lettering and other basic designs.  Bitmaps are best for pictures, detailed drawings or complex logos (with shading, etc.).  The Sign Pro design staff can assist you in determining what formats will work best for your project.