Vector vs raster logos: infinite scale explained
Learn why vector logos scale forever with math while raster pixels blur past 300 dpi.
Math versus pixels at any size
Vector logos store shapes as math equations, so lines and curves stay perfectly sharp from a 16 pixel favicon to a 10 foot billboard. Raster logos store fixed pixels, so enlarging beyond 100 percent quickly reveals blur and jagged edges.
Printers demand 300 dpi raster files because 72 dpi screen graphics look soft on paper after 20 years of standards. If you generate your logo online as SVG first, you can export crisp PNG copies at 500, 1000 and 2000 pixels wide.
When to use each format daily
Use SVG or PDF vectors for masters, signage and print runs over 500 copies where sharpness matters most. Keep PNG rasters for websites, slides and social posts at exact sizes like 1200 by 630 pixels for covers.
Save masters at 4000 pixels wide, then export daily sizes at 512, 1024 and 2048 pixels for teams. Test enlargements at 200 and 400 percent zoom to catch blur before ordering a 3 foot sign.
- SVG master for infinite scaling
- PDF vector for print shops
- PNG at 2000 px for web
- 300 dpi file for paper
- Keep 16 px favicon test