In this article, we will explore exactly what a vector PDF is and some of its benefits. We also share our process for using PDFs in vectors appropriately. Read on to learn more.
A vector PDF stores images and designs using mathematical formulas instead of pixels, ensuring scalability without quality loss. It’s ideal for sharp, resolution-independent visuals like logos and technical diagrams.
Example: Using VectorPro Designer, a studio saves the Apex Outdoor Gear logo as a vector PDF. This ensures it looks sharp on both business cards and billboards.
Here are some of the most common benefits of using the vector PDF format:
PDF vector files can scale infinitely without losing quality, making them ideal for designs ranging from business cards to billboards.
Vector PDFs retain sharp edges and fine details. This ensures professional-quality results and compatibility with printing services.
Stored as individual objects, PDF vectors are easily editable in graphic design software. This simplifies tasks like resizing or color adjustments.
Storing data as equations, vector PDFs are smaller than high-resolution raster files, making them easier to share and store.
Vector PDFs work seamlessly across various software and devices. This supports collaboration and integration with text, images, and interactive elements.
Use our simple 8-step PDF file vector framework to understand how to design, export, and optimize scalable vector graphics for various applications. Simply follow the steps below.
Start by designing your graphic in vector-based software, ensuring all elements like shapes, paths, and text are vectorized. Avoid raster elements to maintain scalability.
Example: A designer creates a logo for Solara Electronics using interconnected shapes and text in Futura Bold on an 800 x 533-pixel artboard.
Define the document size to match the intended output and choose the correct color profile, such as CMYK for printing or RGB for digital use. This ensures accurate and color reproduction.
Example: The Solara logo is designed on an 8.5 x 11-inch canvas with a CMYK profile, using Pantone 165 for orange text and Pantone 425 for gray shapes.
Turn all text into vector outlines to ensure consistency across devices and eliminate dependency on installed fonts.
Example: The "Solara Electronics" text is converted to outlines, preserving its appearance even if Futura Bold is unavailable on the printer’s system.
Organize the design into logical layers and group related items to simplify editing and maintain structure during export.
Example: The Solara logo is grouped into three layers: background, shapes, and text, each labeled for clarity.
Ensure embedded images meet resolution standards, using 300 DPI or higher for print-quality graphics.
Example: A photo of a product included in the Solara brochure is resized to 300 DPI to prevent pixelation.
Use the export feature in your software to save the file as a vector PDF, ensuring vector data is preserved and unnecessary compression is disabled.
Example: The Solara logo is exported as a vector PDF in VectorPro Designer with the "Preserve Vector Data" setting enabled.
Inspect the exported PDF to confirm all elements are intact, colors are correct, and vectors remain sharp at various zoom levels.
Example: The designer inspects the Solara logo in a PDF viewer, zooming in to 200% to verify sharp edges and accurate colors.
Back up an editable version in your software’s native format to enable future updates and modifications.
Example: The Solara logo is saved as a VectorPro Designer file (.vpd) and backed up in cloud storage for future updates.
Apex Outdoor Gear, a camping gear manufacturer, aims to create scalable, professional designs for logos and packaging that adapt to various formats. Here's how they implemented our simple process for using PDF in vector format.
The Apex Outdoor Gear team uses VectorPro Designer to create a scalable logo featuring a mountain silhouette and bold typography. The design is set on a 10 x 10-inch artboard, incorporating three green triangles to represent nature and adventure.
The team sets the packaging dimensions to 12 x 8 inches and selects the CMYK profile for consistent printing. Pantone 354 green and Pantone 7461 blue are used to reflect the brand’s identity.
Text is converted to vector outlines to prevent font compatibility issues during printing. The "Apex Outdoor Gear" text is preserved in a bold serif font for uniformity.
Design elements are organized into sections such as logos, product descriptions, and background textures. This structure simplifies navigation and future edits.
Embedded images are checked to ensure a minimum resolution of 300 DPI for high-quality printing. The Summit Pro Tent product image is resized and integrated without losing clarity.
The designs are exported as vector PDFs with settings to preserve vector data and prevent compression. This ensures the Summit Pro Tent design remains sharp and scalable for all uses.
The team reviews the PDF to confirm sharp edges, accurate colors, and intact design elements. They zoom in at 200% to ensure the details remain crisp.
Editable backups are saved in VectorPro Designer's native format to allow future updates. The files are securely stored in Apex Outdoor Gear’s cloud archive.
We hope you now have a better understanding of what a vector PDF is. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on how to print high-quality PDFs and our article on how you can distinguish if your PDF is a vector file.