Vector Graphics for Book Printing

Vector graphics are built from paths and shapes rather than pixels. They can be enlarged or reduced without becoming blurry, which makes them useful for artwork that needs sharp edges.

Photos normally stay as raster images. Logos, line drawings, and production shapes are usually better kept as vectors.

Vector vs Raster Graphics

Raster artwork should follow the required Image Resolution. Vector artwork does not have a fixed PPI.

What Should Stay Vector?

Keep artwork as vector whenever clean edges or exact shapes matter.

Typical examples include:

• Logos

• Simple icons and line drawings

• Barcodes and QR codes

• Cover lettering

• Die-cut paths

• Foil stamping artwork

• Spot UV masks

• Embossing and debossing artwork

Do not rasterize these elements unless the production file specifically requires it.

Common Vector File Formats

AI

Useful for editable Illustrator artwork and separate production layers.

EPS

An older vector format that is still used for logos and simple production graphics.

PDF

Can preserve vector paths, text, and raster images in the same file. A PDF is not automatically vector just because it has a .pdf extension.

SVG

Common for digital graphics and simple vector artwork, but final print files are usually supplied as PDF or AI instead.

The accepted production format should follow the Supported File Formats for the project.

Scaling Vector Artwork

One advantage of vector graphics is that the artwork can be resized without reducing image resolution.

A logo can be used at 30 mm wide or 150 mm wide without becoming pixelated.

However, scaling can still affect details such as:

• Stroke thickness

• Small gaps

• Fine lettering

• Corner radius

Check very small elements after resizing rather than assuming every vector shape will print well at any size.

Thin strokes should also meet the minimum Line Thickness required for printing or finishing.

Text Inside Vector Artwork

Editable text inside an AI or PDF file still depends on the original font.

For fixed cover lettering or production artwork, selected text can be converted to Outlines once the wording and position are final.

Long book interiors should normally keep their text editable and use Font Embedding instead of converting every page to vector shapes.

Vector Artwork for Special Finishes

Foil stamping, Spot UV, embossing, debossing, and die cutting often need a separate vector layer.

The production shape should:

• Match the printed artwork exactly

• Use clean closed paths where required

• Avoid unnecessary effects or raster images

• Stay separate from the normal CMYK artwork

For example, a foil title should use the same position and shape as the title in the printed cover file. The finishing layer only defines where the foil is applied.

Keep Vector and Raster Elements Separate

A book cover can contain both types of artwork.

A photograph may remain a high-resolution raster image, while the title, logo, barcode, and finishing shapes stay vector.

There is no need to convert the whole page into one format. Keep each element in the format that suits it best.

Check the Final PDF

Before submitting the Print-Ready File, zoom in closely on logos, small text, line artwork, and finishing shapes.

True vector edges should remain smooth at high zoom. If an element becomes visibly pixelated, it has probably been rasterized somewhere in the workflow.