Short answer: For most promotional product decoration in Australia, supply your logo as a vector file (AI, EPS, or print-ready PDF with outlined fonts). Raster files (JPG, PNG from a website) can work only for some full-colour digital processes (and even then, the source must be high resolution at the intended print size.
If you have ever emailed your logo to a promotional products supplier and received a reply asking for “vector with outlines”, you are not alone). Australian small businesses often start with a PNG from their website or a PDF exported from Canva. Those files may look perfect on screen yet produce blurry, jagged, or inconsistent branding on pens, drinkware, and apparel. Understanding the difference between vector and raster artwork saves rework fees, production delays, and the embarrassment of distributing merchandise you would rather not show clients.
What is vector artwork?
Vector graphics are built from mathematical paths) lines and curves (not pixels). Because the image is defined by geometry, it can be scaled from a business card to a banner without losing sharpness. That is why professional logos are almost always created in Adobe Illustrator. Affinity Designer, or similar tools and saved as:
- .AI (Adobe Illustrator native)
- .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) widely accepted in print)
- .PDF (when exported as true vector with fonts outlined)
Australian promotional suppliers prefer vector files because the same artwork can feed pad printing, screen printing, embroidery digitising, laser engraving, and many digital decoration workflows without rebuilding the logo from scratch.
What is raster artwork?
Raster images (JPG, PNG, GIF). BMP) are grids of coloured pixels. Enlarge them and the pixels become visible squares (“stair-stepping” or blur). A logo that is 200 pixels wide might look fine in an email signature but will fail on a 300 mm tote bag print area.
Raster can still be usable when:
- The file is 300 DPI at the actual print size (not just “300 DPI” in metadata while the dimensions are tiny)
- The decoration method is full-colour digital print or sublimation that accepts CMYK raster
- You are printing photographic content rather than a flat logo
Quick comparison for Australian promo buyers
| Factor | Vector (AI/EPS/PDF) | Raster (JPG/PNG) |
|---|---|---|
| Scales without quality loss | Yes | No (fixed pixel grid |
| Pad print / spot colour | Ideal | Usually rejected or redrawn |
| Embroidery digitising | Best starting point | High-res PNG sometimes OK |
| Full-colour digital wrap | Preferred | OK if 300 DPI at print size |
| Typical supplier response | Production-ready | “Please send vector” or redraw fee |
How to check what you have
- Zoom to 400% in a PDF viewer). Smooth curves = likely vector; visible squares = raster.
- Check file origin. Exported from Illustrator/InDesign = good. Saved from Instagram or Google Images = almost always unusable for print.
- Ask your designer for “print-ready vector with fonts outlined” or “native AI/EPS”.
- Send to supplier early. Most Australian promo companies will verify files before you commit to quantity.
Common Australian small business scenarios
“We only have a PNG from our website.” Websites use compressed raster for speed. Request the original vector from whoever built your brand, or pay for a logo redraw (often $20–$65+ AUD from promo suppliers).
“We designed it in Canva.” Canva Pro can export PDF print quality; free exports are often raster. Export PDF and ask your supplier to confirm, or obtain vector from a designer.
“Our accountant put the logo in Word.” Word embeds low-resolution previews. Not suitable for merchandise decoration.
Fonts, outlines, and Pantone colours
Vector files must have text converted to outlines (curves) so missing fonts on the supplier’s computer do not substitute Comic Sans for your brand typeface. If your brand uses Pantone (PMS) spot colours, include the codes in your order email (screen and pad printing often match PMS rather than RGB screen values.
What to send with your artwork
- Vector file (AI, EPS, or print-ready PDF)
- Pantone codes if known
- Product SKU or description and quantity
- Preferred logo placement (or ask supplier for recommendation)
- Delivery postcode for freight quoting
Frequently asked questions
Will a PDF always work?
Only if it contains true vector art. A PDF that is just a placed JPG inside a page is still raster. Export from Illustrator with “Preserve editing capabilities” off and fonts outlined for safest results.
Can suppliers redraw my logo?
Yes) most Australian promotional suppliers offer paid conversion services. Turnaround is typically a few business days with a proof for approval before your main order runs.
Is SVG the same as vector for printing?
SVG is vector-based but not all promo production systems accept it directly. Export to EPS or PDF from a design tool for maximum compatibility.
Why did my one-colour logo print as fuzzy grey?
Usually anti-aliasing on a raster logo, soft grey pixels around edges that become muddy ink dots. Vector with clean spot colour avoids this on pad and screen print.