VECTOR vs. BITMAP?
There are 2 basic types of graphic files. At Freelance, our plotters which create the decals (See what goes into a decal?) need point and line information that is provided by the vector file format. Common vector file format are: .EPS (Encapsulated Postscript) .AI (Adobe Illustrator) .DXF (Autocad) .WMF (Windows Meta-file) and HPGL Bitmap files are very common, and contain information which is not useful to our plotters. These file types contain “pixel” information which tells the computer the color of each dot, and it’s color that make up it’s image. Scanned images, or digital photography generally provide the user with a bitmap image. Common bitmap image file formats are: .TIF .JPG .GIF .PCX .BMP Below are visual examples of the two types. The final image would be this. versus The Left image shows a Vector file type in it’s “wireframe” or raw form. The plotters used to create decals can “trace” the paths (lines) and points you see. The image on the right is an enlarged Bitmap file ty
