Vector art files and raster art files are two different types of digital image files that are used in graphic design and T-shirt printing. The main difference between the two is the way they are created and the way they are stored.
Vector art files are created using vector graphics software, such as Adobe Illustrator. These files are made up of mathematical equations that define the shapes and lines that make up the image. Because vector images are created using equations, they are resolution-independent, meaning they can be scaled up or down without losing quality. This makes them ideal for T-shirt designs that need to be printed at different sizes.
Raster art files, on the other hand, are created using raster graphics software, such as Adobe Photoshop. These files are made up of a grid of pixels, each with a specific color. Raster images are resolution-dependent, meaning they will lose quality when they are scaled up or down. They are also not suitable for large-scale printing as they tend to pixelate.
Another difference between the two formats is that vector files are composed of paths, which are defined by mathematical equations and can be edited easily, while raster files are composed of pixels, which are defined by color and cannot be easily modified.
In summary, Vector art files are resolution-independent, easily scalable and editable, while Raster art files are resolution-dependent, not easily scalable, and not easily editable. Vector files are typically preferred for T-shirt designs that need to be printed at different sizes, while raster files are typically used for images that will be used primarily on digital platforms.