Basic Vector Formats: Common File Types

To date, more than a dozen formats for working with vector graphics have been created. They are developed by manufacturers of graphic editors for their own products. Each format has characteristic pros and cons - the latter, for the most part, relate to the unification and compatibility of formats. Next we consider the most used vector formats, including when creating logos.

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Cross-platform format created by Adobe. It is optimized to create files containing both graphic information and text. Therefore, it refers to commonly used for storing logos in a vector, as well as various documentation and presentations.

It has an extensive font set. It uses the PostScript language, using the tools of which it is possible to add animated inserts, links and sound files. A big plus of the format is that the graphics in it are compact and can be displayed on any systems without distortion. Convenience of work and wide opportunities make the PDF format the most popular for working with various printed materials.

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)

Designed based on the XML markup language, the format provides for working with two-dimensional vector graphics used, for example, when creating web pages. SVG files can be edited not only with the help of graphics programs, but also with some text editors. Documents in this format can contain both images and text, and animation. SVG is perfect for both creating web illustrations and editing files, because even in case of scaling the graphics in this format, it can maintain high quality.

Adobe Illustrator (AI)

Created specifically for Adobe Illustrator, this format has limited compatibility with other editors. It is characterized by stability and high image quality even with significant scaling. AI is a closed format. Firmly attached to Illustrator’s version.

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)

It is used in the preparation of printing documents, as it is convenient for printing large volumes of graphic information. It ensures the preservation of the quality of various vector logos when editing them thanks to the support of a large number of tools necessary for processing graphics. This format, developed by Adobe, is compatible with many popular graphic editors.

CorelDraw (CDR)

Created exclusively for the editor CorelDraw. There is no compatibility with almost all other applications, as well as between layouts created in different versions of the program (files from new versions are not supported by old ones). Files created in this format are capable of multilayering, perfectly preserve the parameters and special effects of objects. Raster and vector images in CDR can be compressed separately.

As mentioned above, the most suitable and often used in the creation of printing and standard illustrations are the PDF and SVG formats.