Resolution
What is the difference between large format printers versus plotters?
SpeedPro starts off where most print shops finish. Of course, we have the ability to print the small-sized graphic requests, we specialize and even prefer to produce large graphics including vehicle wraps, full-color outdoor banners, large format laminated signs, trade show exhibits/displays and much more.
A plotter produces vector graphic drawings. Plotters illustrate lines on paper using an internal pen. Conversely, a traditional printer cannot draw continuous lines, it makes lines out of dots. Furthermore, the main difference between plotters and format printers is the file format used. Plotters use vector graphics, while format printers use raster images, also known as bitmaps or pixels. Vectors create images from point-to-point nodes connected by mathematically determined lines and curves, thus plotters are often better suited for illustrated logos while large format printing is better for photo-realistic images.
To explain further, vector images are line art graphics that will maintain their quality no matter how you resize them, and raster, or bitmap, images are composed of tiny dots that form a larger picture. These images can only stand to be enlarged to a certain size before losing clarity.
How does this affect resolution?
Vector images alone or with text can be scaled up to almost any desired size as they are not composed of thousands of small dots like raster art is. However, it is important to point out that image-centric banners are more often made from raster data as raster allows for more resolution detailing and coloration.
For example, if you are creating a graphic banner, SpeedPro advises you to save it as a Vector file. Doing this ensures that the image won’t lose clarity when it is later enlarged. If you’re using a photograph or any type of raster image — including .jpg, .tif and other common file types — make sure the file is not compressed down, and save it with an output resolution between 100 and 200 dots per inch (DPI) at the full image size to ensure optimum clarity. When choosing an image to use, the best option is to have a high-resolution photo taken by a professional photographer. Using images found online can be disastrous because often there is not enough pixel data to create a clear image. A low-resolution image can be enlarged in Photoshop, but this multiplies the pixels around each other, taking each pixel and creating a new pixel next to it that is halfway in color to the next, and on. Website graphics are created at a small resolution in order to reduce bandwidth so that web pages load quickly while still creating an image acceptable on a computer monitor.
SpeedPro Wilmington
There are few places in the country more responsive and welcoming to businesses than Wilmington. That means you’ll likely have a lot of competition, especially to gain the attention of your target audience. To do that effectively and efficiently, rely on indoor and outdoor signage.
Large format printing with the highest quality and creativity help businesses grow by energizing the public, keeping them engaged, and helping your brand become more recognized.
SpeedPro Wilmington Offers the Highest Quality Large-Format Printing
You won’t find another sign company that can match our dedication to quality, delivery, and customer service. We offer numerous solutions and ideas, including:
- Event graphics
- Decals
- Directional signage
- Floor graphics
- And more
Consider the Impact Quality Outdoor Signage Offers
Imagine your brand, products, or event being advertised all around the city. Using vehicle wraps, for example, is one of the most powerful ways small to medium-size businesses grab attention.
SpeedPro Wilmington has the seasoned, experienced staff ready to help you develop an effective marketing campaign. We take pride in the fact that:
- We offer the highest degree of exceptionalism in every product we create.
- Our fast, efficient, and responsive service has gained us a reputation as a leading sign company in the region.
- We can deliver on even the tightest deadlines.
Your New Marketing Campaign Is Just a Click Away
Get a quote and find out how affordable large-format printing is. Sprint ahead of the competition using effective indoor and outdoor signage. We serve all of Wilmington.