Printing bitmap/raster to PDF, Will it be a vector?

Report · May 20, 2017

Hi,

I have some graphics I've designed in Paint.NET (which doesn't have the ability to save images as a vector), to super high resolutions (around 8.5 MP), however for printing out, the printing company requires the graphics to be sent in ".ai or PDF format" (I presume because they want it as vector?), though surely for printing to a size of 15x15 cm max, an 8.5 MP raster will be plenty good enough?

However I don't have Adobe Illustrator, so my only option left is to use Paint.NET's "print to PDF" option. However, I haven't been impressed with the results of this, as lines on the image look jagged, and not at all like a vector should.

So my questions regarding this are;

1) If printing as a PDF, will this convert my raster (PNG) image to a vector?

2) Do PDFs support transparent images? (and will using the option above preserve this transparency?)

3) If you have any alternatives, what would be the best way for me to get my PNG image into .ai/PDF/a vector file format?

Thanks

Report · May 21, 2017

1) No.

2) Yes.

3) Converting a raster image to a vector image is not always possible. Your best chance is with something like Adobe Illustrator.

Report · May 21, 2017

try67 Thanks, unfortunately as I don't have Illustrator myself this won't be an option. Though my image is fairly basic, it's only made up of 7 flat colours, so surely this should be fairly easy to convert?

Test Screen Name As I mentioned in the original, I don't have Illustrator, and used Paint.NET to create the graphics. Tracing may be possible, but I think it would be quite long winded due to the shape of the item & the importance of symmetry. Ideally if there was some program/automated process to do it for me, that'd be great.

Exact resolution = 2500 x 3700. I'm not 100% on what size it will be printed to yet, though 15x15 cm will be the max. So basically, if ppi is good for my image @ 15x15 cm, then it will definitely be ok whatever size it's printed (since if it's printed to a lower physical dimensions, it will have a higher ppi).

Report · May 21, 2017

You probably need to start again in Illustrator. Sometimes it's possible to trace the lines in the old.

Your resolution in megapixels is not a good measure 8.5 Mp might be inadequate or excessive. What matters is effective pixels per inch (or cm). How large is this to print and what are the dimensions in pixels - you have to be in charge of that? Is 15x15 cm the actual size in the finished product?

Mostly you can print raster images ok if you avoid text completely. But some printing-like technologies (like vinyl cutters) can only work with vector.

Report · May 22, 2017

You say you don't have Illustrator, we understand that. But you don't have what you need to make vectors. Illustrator is the Adobe tool you need, if the drawing is this simple autotrace stands a chance.

15 cm is 6 inches, approx. 2500 / 6 is just over 400, so you have at least 400 ppi. Should be fine. Of course, when you print to PDF, image compression is used, and reduces it by default to what - 72 ppi? You must look at your settings.