What is the difference between vector images and raster images?

Raster Files:

Raster files are images made up of tiny squares, known as pixels. Typically the squares are so small that the image looks crisp and they are not detectable. However, when a raster image is enlarged, as often happens when blown up for a large sign or banner, the pixels become very obvious and the image quality does not look good. The quality of a raster file is measured in dots per inch, or DPI. For a printed image to appear crisp, it must be at least 300 DPI at the size it is to be printed at.  A file pulled from a website is typically only 72 DPI.  Common raster file formats are .JPEG, .TIFF, .PNG, .BMP, and .GIF.

 

Vector Files:

On the other hand, a vector file is a file made up of lines and arcs stored as coordinates. This means that vector files are made up of precisely defined entities, each with its own beginning and end, rather than lumpy groups of pixels as found in raster files. Vector files can be enlarged to any size without loosing any quality.  Common vector file formats are .EPS, .AI, .SVG

Can you use my raster file for my custom printed item?

We can, however there may be issues depending on the DPI or resolution of the image. You can send the file to us and we will determine at what sizes it can be clearly printed for you.

Is there a program that converts raster files to vector files?

Yes, there are several programs that do this, however they are very rough and usually leave the image at a lower quality than if it were a vector image to begin with.  There is no simple ways to convert raster images to vector images that do not involve labor to clean up the image after the conversion.

Can you convert my raster image to a vector image?

Yes, our designers can convert the image.  Send us the image and we will get you a quote for the work.

Will your vinyl letters withstand winter elements?

Yes, our custom lettering is made from durable adhesive vinyl that will last for 5-years in most conditions.  The sun is their worst enemy, and over numerous years of constant sunlight they may eventually fade and curl.  You can rest assured that they will hold up for several years though.

Can you create a decal using our logo?

Absolutely. Pleas send us your logo so we can determine if it needs any work in order to convert it to a decal.  Please send the file with the best image resolution you have.

How tall can you make vinyl letters?

We can make custom vinyl lettering as tall as 50".  For a custom quote on large vinyl lettering jobs, please contact us.

Can you guarantee exact color matches?

We cannot guarantee exact color matches for two reasons.

1. Everyone uses different computer monitors and settings.
2. A computer screen is illuminated, so the colors will appear different on the screen than they do in real life.

We can provide you with a color sample via mail.  It is not possible to provide proofs to all of our customers that will look exactly like the actual product, but we can send a small swatch of the color.

I have Java installed but your site is telling me it can't recognize my version or it is not installed. What should I do?

This is a rare problem usually caused by a software issue on your computer.  We understand it can certainly be frustrating, but unfortunately we have no way to know what the exact issue may be.  The Java test on our site ensures that you can properly design your custom signage product and that the design file we get from you matches what you see on your screen.

If you are experiencing this error, you may try any of the following suggestions to see if they may help.

1. Try to bypass the test by adding to the end of the web address the text: ?java=ok&
For example, if you were designing a 5’ x 2’ custom vinyl banner sign, the web address in your address bar would look like this during the Java test: http://www.javasigns.com/tools/dt/4371-3532-3067

When the test is passed, our site adds the text: ?java=ok& to the end of the address and you enter our online sign design tool.  Try placing this text manually at the end of the address you have in the address bar when the Java test fails and see if the design tool loads.  In the above example, the new address would be :
http://www.javasigns.com/tools/dt/4371-3532-3067?java=ok&

2.  Clear your web browser’s cache.  The cache is the browser's collection of images and files it holds and reuses from sites you visit.  In order to load things faster, the browser reuses them rather than reload them each time it re-visits a site.  If these files change, like the files our site sends saying your Java version has passed, but your site uses the cached ones, you will still see the failed result.  When you clear the cache, you will force the browser to completely reload all the information needed when you visit our site.   Here is how to do this for the major web browsers:

Internet Explorer: Click the Tools menu and select Internet Options.  Select the General tab. Click Delete Files in the Temporary Internet Files section and click OK.

Firefox: Click the Tools menu and select Clear Private Data.  Remove the checks from everything except Cache. Click Clear Private Data Now.

Opera: Select the Tools menu and click Delete Private Data. Click the Details button. Remove checks from everything except Cache. Press Delete.

Safari: Click the Safari Menu and select Empty Cache.  Confirm the action by clicking Empty in the next window.

Konqueror:  Click the Settings menu and select Configure Konqueror. Scroll down in the list of images and select Cache. Click Clear Cache.

3. If these don’t work, try using another computer.  Unfortunately, there are just too many variable among computers and the infinite possibilities of software versions and software combinations installed on each one.  Since this error is very rare, the issue most likely will not occur if you try a different computer.

Hopefully one of these options solves your issue.