How to Create Vector Art (Simple Explanation)

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Vector art is artwork that is created using clean lines and solid shapes instead of pixels. This allows the design to be

resized and printed clearly without losing quality.

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To create vector art, the artwork needs to be redrawn, not converted automatically.

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THE BASIC PROCESS:

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1. Open the artwork in a design program such as Adobe Illustrator.

2. Use drawing tools (like the Pen Tool or shape tools) to manually recreate the design.

3. Each color should be its own solid shape with clean edges.

4. Text must be typed using a font or converted to outlines — not part of an image.

5. The final artwork should be saved as a vector file (such as AI, EPS, or PDF).

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Important things to avoid:

***Do not use automatic conversion tools

***Avoid fuzzy edges, shading, or photo effects.

***Do not flatten the artwork into a single image.

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Why this matters:

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Manually created vector art prints cleaner, uses fewer colors, and ensures the design looks exactly as intended when

printed on garments or products.

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What is text in vectored art?

When you type words into a design file (like a logo), that text usually acts just like text in Word - you can click it, change the font, fix spelling, or resize it.

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What does unexpanded text mean?

Unexpanded text is still editable text.

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You can:

• Change the font

• Fix a typo

• Re-type the words

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Basically, it's still "live text."

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Why does this matter?

If you send that file to a printer or another designer and they don't have the same font, the text can:

• Change to a totally different font

• Look wrong

• Or not show up correctly at all

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That's a big problem for printing.

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So what is expanded text?

Expanded text means the letters are turned into shapes.

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You can't type or edit the text anymore - but it will look exactly the same on every computer, no matter what fonts they have.

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Think of it like this:

• Unexpanded text = editable words

• Expanded text = a drawing of the words

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Example:

You type the word "Pizza" in a cool font.

• Unexpanded: You can still click it and change the font or spelling

• Expanded: It looks the same, but it's now a shape - not editable text​

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Why do people expand text?

• To make sure the design looks the same everywhere

• To avoid font issues when printing

• To prevent accidental text changes

• To properly prep artwork for production

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Note: If you send us artwork with unexpanded text and we don't have the font you used, the text will automatically change to a default font and show up highlighted in pink. See example: