A native file is the original working file the artwork was created in, most likely an Adobe Creative Suite program that includes editable layers. Layers contain all the elements that make up the artwork. A layered file provides the best way to re-size and change the appearance of the design to accommodate appropriate size outputs. These files can be exchanged reliably between Macs and PCs, and from the client to the printer to produce the requested final product.

Native files are primarily in: Illustrator (ai) or Photoshop (psd)

We prefer to work with and print from a layered or native vector file.  For more on vector files, please scroll down.

Unlike JPEGs, vector graphics are not made up of a grid of pixels. Instead, vector graphics are comprised of paths, which are defined by a start and end point, along with other points, curves, and angles along the way. These paths can be used to create simple drawings or complex diagrams.

Because vector-based images are not made up of a specific number of dots, they can be scaled to a larger size and not lose any image quality. If you blow up a raster graphic, it will look blocky, or “pixelated.” When you blow up a vector graphic, the edges of each object within the graphic stay smooth and clean.