What is the difference between vector and raster graphics?
Laura here from the Rose City Label art department. Many times we get asked what kind of file we prefer to have sent to us.
The answer is Vector.
Many people do not know what a vector file or raster file is.
Raster graphics are composed of pixels, while vector graphics are composed of paths. A raster graphic, such as a tiff or jpeg, is an array of pixels of various colors, which together form an image.
A vector graphic, such as an EPS file or Illustrator file, is composed of paths, or lines, that are either straight or curved. The data file for a vector image contains the points where the paths start and end, how much the paths curve, and the colors that either border or fill the paths.
Because vector graphics are not made of pixels, the images can be scaled to be very large without losing quality. Raster graphics, on the other hand, become “blocky,” since each pixel increases in size as the image is made larger. Vector images also allow for more editing capabilities than a raster.
For the best quality print we encourage using vector images.
This is another great example of a label we weren’t sure we could make. We get many of our best ideas from our customer requests — they push us to do things we didn’t know we could do, and the results are very exciting. In this case, we have a unique QR code on EACH label. This allows the customer to track the model and serial number of each product, expedite the product registration, and streamline any repair or recall in the future.
The key to this is having a very sophisticated website with a unique landing page for each instance of your product. Once that is done on the back end, Rose City Label can create and print the variable QR code to direct your customer to their personal landing page. Remember, QR codes can also be used to send an email, SMS text message, or refer the person to any other web based landing page that you choose. If there is a destination to send them, we can get them there with a custom QR code — even if it is a different code on each label!
Rose City Label is proud to print for some of Portland’s most prestigious companies and organizations. This project for the Multnomah Athletic Club is no exception. This club has been a part of the fabric of Portland life for generations. When they needed an upgrade to their parking control labels, they knew who to call.
This label was very challenging because it needed many things all on one label:
Easy to scan bar code when product is issued to the member
Visually readable number for parking garage staff
Tamper proof die cut
Low Tack Window Cling Adhesive
Because the bar code and the human readable number on the actual label had to match, we had to invest in some additional software to print both numbers at the same time. And, the second number had to be mirror image (backwards) so it can be read properly through the car windshield. All of these elements made this a challenging, rewarding job for Rose City Label.
We are proud to show off another great label from our friends at Crux Fermentation Project in Bend. This brewery is owned and operated by some amazing branding minds. Everything on the label has a purpose and we had to put our best foot forward to bring the project to life. Very challenging color matching, on uncoated stock, along with multi-layer die cutting all made these labels a perfect match for the Rose City Label team.
The end result tells the story – the labels look wonderful on the bottles, the client is pleased, and the beer is selling very well.
If you have a challenging project, and want a partner to help bring you vision to reality, please call us today.
This label isn’t very sexy to look at, but it’s very functional, cost-effective, and durable, and was challenging to produce. This job was sent to us by another label company that had struggled with the job because it was outside their specialty.
Starting with a specially-designed material, one color is printed on the face of the label, indicating precise specifications for the product. A mat overlaminant is applied and the label is die-cut using a precision rotary tool. Waste between labels is pulled off, and then the label is cut into individual sheets and put onto the conveyor. This label maximizes the size, speed, and quality of our printing press, and it gives a fine finished product for the customer.
We have had great success with the job, and our customer has been very pleased with the results. Everything about the label is very precise, including the material, adhesive, laminate and die cutting. Each of these label sheets contains four main labels and within each of those are 40 different very small die cut labels. These are applied in an industrial environment with grease, oil, and other chemicals, so the material has to hold up .
The small reverse (white) print on each label is critical, as it identifies a specific tool in a set — if the print isn’t clear, the label won’t work.
We have successfully run the job 3 times in the past 18 months and look forward to many more orders from this customer in the future.
Call us today if you have a challenging label project – 800-547-9920. Thank you.
This one page PDF gives a great summary of the benefits of our Economy Digital Press. Digital isn’t right for every job, but it is an amazing addition to our production lineup.
Excellent Print Quality
Very Fast Delivery (5 days or less)
Very flexible size/shape options
If you want to learn more about the benefits of this cutting edge technology – click here – RCLDigitalAdvantage
We are proud to show off another great label from our friends at Crux Fermentation Project in Bend. This brewery is owned and operated by some amazing branding minds. Everything on the label has a purpose and we had to put our best foot forward to bring the project to life. Very challenging color matching, on uncoated stock, along with multi-layer die cutting all made these labels a perfect match for the Rose City Label team.