Vector Based Graphics for Custom Vinyl Lettering
True Type Fonts are Vector based, this is why when you use a word processor like Microsoft Word or in your email client, you can make the fonts to any size without the font distorting. If you pasted an image to Microsoft Word and made it bigger, it will start distorting. If using Microsoft Windows, you can usually find your Fonts folder by going to the Control Panel and then clicking on Fonts. If you need to send us a font, copy the font file to another location on your computer (e.g. Desktop or My Documents) and then attach it to the email you will send us.
Common software used for creating and editing Vector artwork are Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw. There are also many more. Vinyl Cutters use the lines that the Vector images are made up of, the blade on the cutter follows the lines of the Vector artwork to cut the vinyl exactly as is shown on the computer. If the lines of curves are not smooth, this will show on the decal, the bigger the decal, the more it will stand out.
Converting Bitmap images (Pixel based images like .JPG, .GIF, .PNG) to Vector format can be a time consuming process, especially if it is a complex image. The image has to be traced like you would with tracing paper, except it is done on computer. Vector artwork can be used for anything from Printing, Vinyl Cutting (What we do here at Sticker Time), CNC Routing, Embroidery, Web Graphics and lots of other uses. It can also be exported to various other file formats.
If you are creating your own Vector Artwork to send us for a Vinyl Cut Decal, then there are a few things that you should be aware of: Make sure that all paths are closed. All Text is converted to outlines or send the font file to me with your artwork file. Paths do not overlap. Optimize your image and make all paths and curves smooth with as few points as possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Because they’re scalable, vector-based images are resolution independent. You can increase and decrease the size of vector images to any degree and your lines will remain crisp and sharp, both on screen and in print. Fonts are a type of vector object.
