At The Embroidery Company, we work primarily with three main file types: vector, bitmap, and embroidery.
VECTOR FILE
A vector file uses mathematical formulas to create lines and curves on a grid to produce a high-resolution image.
BITMAP FILE
A bitmap, or raster, file uses tiny dots called pixels to create images.
EMBROIDERY FILE
An embroidery file is a digital stitch file used for embroidered pieces.
What is a Vector file?
One of the most effective ways to build an image digitally is by using vectors. A vector file is an image that uses mathematical formulas to create lines and curves on a grid. This ultimately means that when you resize a vector image, it will never become blurry or pixelated. The image’s sharpness and color quality will always stay intact, making it easy to alter. Vector files work best when creating logos, graphics, and illustrations. Vector files include .AI and .EPS.
WE ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING VECTOR FILES:
- Adobe® Illustrator® (.AI);
- Encapsulated PostScript® (.EPS);
- Portable Document File (.PDF)
- PostScript® Interpreted (.PS);
- CorelDRAW® (.CDR);
What is a Bitmap file?
Another common way to create an image is through a bitmap image. Also known as a raster image, bitmap images are created with a collection of tiny dots called pixels. In their simplest form, bitmaps use black and white, but can use a variety of other colours for more complex images. Unlike a vector image, when a bitmap image is resized, the sharpness and quality of the image can be severely affected, resulting in blurry, low-resolution images. Bitmap images are more commonly used in digital products and websites. Bitmap files include .JPG, .PNG, and .GIF.
WE ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING BITMAP FILES:
- Joint Photograph Experts Group (.JPG or .JPEG);
- Portable Network Graphics (.PNG);
- Adobe® Photoshop® (.PSD);
- Corel PHOTO-PAINT® (.CPT);
- Tagged Image File Format (.TIF or .TIFF);
- Windows® Bitmap (.BMP);
- Personal Computer Exchange (.PCX);
- Graphics Interchange Format (.GIF);
- Truevision Graphics Adapter (.TGA)
What is an Embroidery file?
An embroidery file is used for embroidery purposes. It is a digital stitch file that gives the embroidery machines the coordinates and sequence of each stitch and colour used in order to produce high quality designs. Commonly used embroidery files include .DST and .EXP.
WE ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING EMBROIDERY FILES:
- Tajima Stitch File (.DST);
- Wilcom Embroidery File (.EMB);
- Pulse Embroidery File (.PXF);
- Barudan Stitch File (.DSB);
- Melco Expanded File (.EXP);
- Outline File (.POF);
- ZSK Stitch File (.DSZ);
- Tajima Embroidery File (.TBF)
Do you have a product that needs some embellishment?
We would be happy to help. Reach out to one of our embroidery experts to get a price quote for your project today.
