AI files - infinitely enlargeable

AI files - infinitely enlargeable without quality loss

An AI file is a file that is created in the Adobe Illustrator software. This software is often used for creating a vector file. There's a good chance you don't immediately know what this file is exactly. Nevertheless, this is fairly easy to explain. In principle, in practice we distinguish between two types of graphic files. This concerns on the one hand a pixel file and on the other hand a vector file. Both files look the same at first glance, but don't be mistaken. The most important difference between both is found in the fact that raster images are stored by your computer in pixels.

At the moment the file is opened, it will be loaded pixel by pixel. That doesn't apply to vector images. With these files, there are so-called "paths". These can be defined by a start and end point between which there are also other points. This ensures that all points are connected by lines. For this reason, vectors are also often referred to as line drawings.

Why do you need an AI file?

The graphic files that exist such as a JPG or a PNG are fine files, as long as they are used exclusively for digital use. The moment you need a file for the printer, that becomes a completely different story. A pixel file like JPG or PNG will become pixelated when it's enlarged. In other words, the image becomes blurrier, causing the quality to deteriorate significantly. That can't be the intention. Enlarging an image can be desirable when:

You want to put your company logo on your car; You want to have a banner or billboard made; Have company clothing printed;

Of course, there are many more situations than just the above where a larger image is needed. In all these cases, you'll find that the printer will ask you to deliver a vector file. This can be an AI file, but also a PDF or EPS file. All three files are delivered by us as standard.

What makes an AI file so different exactly?

At the moment a pixel file is used, there is an image that is built from... exactly, pixels. That's fine in itself for digital use, but not for the moment when printing is required. In this latter case, it's the case that you'll notice that when enlarging the image, the quality will be negatively affected. In other words, the image becomes blurry and is actually not suitable for use on the surface on which it needs to be printed. That is the case with an AI file.

Because an AI file is a vector file, it consists of lines and anchor points. This makes it possible to scale them very large without the quality of the image being negatively affected. In other words, if you need a file that can be printed? Then you'll find that an AI file is excellent for that. You can have it made by us in just 24 hours. We always make our vector files manually, ensuring optimal quality is guaranteed.