When to Convert Vectors to Raster: Making the Right Choice

The Conversion Question

Vectors aren't always the answer. Sometimes raster formats serve better. This guide helps you make informed decisions about when to keep vectors and when to convert.

When Vectors Excel

Best for Vectors

Vector Strengths:
✓ Logos and branding
✓ Icons and UI elements
✓ Illustrations with solid colors
✓ Text and typography
✓ Diagrams and charts
✓ Responsive graphics
✓ Print at any size
✓ Animation targets

Vector Advantages

Key benefits:

When Raster Wins

Best for Raster

Raster Strengths:
✓ Photographs
✓ Complex textures
✓ Realistic shadows
✓ Gradient-heavy designs
✓ Photo effects
✓ Very complex illustrations
✓ Specific pixel output

Raster Advantages

When raster is better:

Decision Framework

Complexity Analysis

Complexity Threshold:
< 1,000 paths: Vector usually better
1,000-10,000 paths: Depends on use
> 10,000 paths: Consider raster

Use Case Matrix

| Use Case | Recommended | |----------|-------------| | Logo on website | SVG | | Hero background | Depends | | Product photo | Raster | | Icon set | SVG | | Complex illustration | Case-by-case | | Text/typography | SVG | | Texture overlay | Raster |

Performance Considerations

Performance Impact:
Simple SVG (10KB): Fast render
Complex SVG (500KB): May lag
Same as PNG (100KB): Consistent

Conversion Scenarios

Social Media

Platform requirements:

Typical Requirements:
Fixed dimensions
Raster formats only
File size limits
Specific aspect ratios

Convert: Vector to optimized PNG/JPG

Email

Email limitations:

Convert: To PNG with fallbacks

Print Production

Print considerations:

Print Decision:
Large format → Keep vector
Complex gradients → May rasterize
Photo elements → Raster
Text/logos → Vector

Legacy Systems

Compatibility needs:

Convert: To universally supported formats

How to Convert

Export Settings

Optimal raster export:

Web Use:
PNG-24 (transparency)
JPG (photos, no transparency)
Resolution: 2x for retina
Quality: 80-90% for JPG
Print Use:
TIFF or high-res PNG
300 DPI minimum
CMYK color space

Maintaining Quality

Export Process:
Determine final size needed
Calculate resolution (2x for screens)
Export at target dimensions
Optimize file size
Test across devices

Batch Conversion

For multiple files:

Tools:
Illustrator Actions
ImageMagick CLI
Online batch converters
Build process automation

Hybrid Approaches

Progressive Enhancement

Layered Approach

Combine formats:

Responsive Images

Different formats at breakpoints:

Quality Considerations

Resolution Selection

Screen Resolution:
Standard (1x): 72-96 DPI
Retina (2x): 144-192 DPI
High-DPI (3x): 216-288 DPI
Print Resolution:
Standard: 300 DPI
High quality: 600 DPI

Anti-Aliasing

Export options:

File Size Optimization

Raster Optimization

Optimization Tools:
PNG: ImageOptim, TinyPNG
JPG: MozJPEG, JPEGmini
WebP: cwebp, Squoosh

Format Selection

Format by Content:
Icons/logos: SVG or PNG
Photos: JPG or WebP
Screenshots: PNG
Transparency needed: PNG or WebP
Animation: GIF or SVG

Vectosolve Workflow

When to Use Vectosolve

Vectosolve is ideal when:

After Vectorization

Consider converting back when:

Decision Checklist

Keep as Vector When

✓ Scalability needed ✓ CSS styling required ✓ Animation planned ✓ Accessibility important ✓ File size advantageous ✓ Editing anticipated ✓ Print at multiple sizes

Convert to Raster When

✓ Universal compatibility needed ✓ Complex gradients/effects ✓ Platform requires raster ✓ Performance issues with vector ✓ Specific dimensions fixed ✓ Photo/texture content

Conclusion

The vector vs. raster decision depends on use case, complexity, and requirements. Vectors excel for scalable, styleable graphics while rasters serve complex, fixed-dimension needs. Use Vectosolve when you need vector flexibility, then convert to raster only when necessary for specific applications.

Get Flexible Vector Files