Vector formats (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) store an image as maths — shapes that stay razor-sharp at any size — while raster formats (PNG, JPG) store a fixed grid of pixels. Use vector for logos and anything that gets resized or printed; use raster for photos and web images. Converting between them is common, and which direction you go matters.
What's the difference between vector and raster?
A raster image (PNG, JPG, GIF) is a grid of coloured pixels — enlarge it and it goes blurry or blocky. A vector image (AI, EPS, SVG) is a set of mathematical shapes, so you can scale it to a billboard and it stays perfectly crisp. That single difference drives every choice below.
When to use vector
Logos, icons, illustrations, and anything printed at different sizes. Because vectors are resolution-independent, one logo file works on a business card and a banner. The common vector formats are SVG (web), AI (Illustrator), EPS (print and legacy), and PDF (universal).
When to use raster
Photographs and detailed, continuous-tone images — a camera captures pixels, not shapes, so photos are raster. The common formats are JPG (photos), PNG (graphics and transparency), and WebP (web). For choosing among those, see the best image format: JPG, PNG or WebP.
The main vector formats
- SVG — the web vector format; editable as code and scales perfectly.
- AI — Adobe Illustrator's native format, usually PDF-compatible under the hood.
- EPS — an older print and publishing standard.
- PDF — can hold vector artwork and opens almost anywhere.
Converting vector to raster (and why you'd need to)
Websites, social media, and most apps want raster (PNG or JPG), so you often need to export a vector logo to PNG. Convert AI to PNG, SVG to PNG, or EPS to PNG. Going the other way — raster back to true vector — isn't a simple conversion; it means redrawing or auto-tracing the shapes.
Can you convert PNG or JPG to vector?
Not cleanly. A raster image has no shape data to recover, so "PNG to SVG" tools either just embed the pixels (not a real vector) or auto-trace with mixed results. For a logo, the right source is always the original vector file — which is why keeping your AI/SVG master matters.
Convert vector files — privately where possible
AI to PNG and SVG to PNG run in your browser, so nothing is uploaded. EPS and PS need a specialised engine (Ghostscript), so EPS to PNG runs on our secure server instead — uploaded, converted, deleted after, and clearly labeled as a server tool. For opening EPS specifically, see how to open an EPS file.