Bit OT: File conversion HELP!

- B
- Bruce Varley
  
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posted
9 years ago

Wed, Feb 25, 2015 11:17 AM

We're trying to get a banner for our band, and have found a local mob that can do just what we're after. Only problem is that the have fairly restricted capabilities for the types of file they can handle. They require:

"vector art which can be opened in illustrator cs3 either a PDF or EPS please"

Web references re PDF (which would be easy) aren't too specific, but we're told that there are two types of PDF file, vector and non-vector, and the basic PDF programs I have don't mention the V word at all. We've tried some of the freeware converters on the web, but none will handle the file size involved (big banner, high DPI). The file we have is a JPEG.

Has anyone got any suggestions, or can offer assistance?

- B
- Bob Milutinovic
  
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posted
9 years ago

Wed, Feb 25, 2015 12:04 PM

The two types of PDF you encountered would be Vector and Bitmap. Vector files detail connections between points (lines or curves), and because of this indirect reference can be scaled infinitely without losing any resolution/quality. Bitmap files on the other hand detail individual pixels, so inherently lose quality during _any_ re-sizing attempt.

Here's a YouTube video to illustrate the differences;

formatting link

The only solution would be for someone with the time, skill and software to sit down and trace your JPEG image to create a vector file. A lot of printers will provide this service (at a cost, of course); if yours doesn't but you can't find anyone else who'll compete with him price-wise, you might be able to get another printer (or a graphic artist) to do the tracing for you, then give the resultant file to your printer.

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Bob Milutinovic 
Cognicom

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- Jasen Betts
  
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posted
9 years ago

Wed, Feb 25, 2015 8:53 PM

inkscape: a free vector graphics program it can save EPS and PDF it can do conversion from bitmap to vector, (which is called tracing) and can be somewhat automated assuming you're not starting from a still-life. the tracing option is buried in some obscure menu. you'll probably need to search (the web) for it.

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umop apisdn