What is logo vectorising?
Logo vectorising is converting a raster image (photo, sketch, scanned drawing) into a mathematically built vector image. A vector consists of lines, shapes and colour areas that you can scale infinitely without pixelation. This is the basis for every professional metal label.
Key points
- Raster vs vector: raster images (JPG, PNG) are made of pixels and become pixelated when you enlarge them; vectors (EPS, SVG, AI) are mathematical shapes that stay sharp at any scale.
- Required for metal labels: every metal label (tin, copper, brass or aluminium) needs a vector file (EPS) for engraving or embossing.
- Costs: vectorising from a photo or sketch is around €39.95–€59.95, depending on complexity. Designing a completely new logo with vector file is about €89.95.
- File formats: after vectorising you receive the logo as EPS (for production) plus PNG and JPG (for digital use).
- Turnaround: vectorising from an existing design takes on average 2 working days.
- Scale and precision: vectors adapt to any size, from a 2 cm label to a large wall sign, without quality loss.
- Colour space: vectors can be saved in CMYK (print) or Pantone (metal finish).
- File size: vector files are compact, usually under 1 MB, and easy to send digitally.
Why vectorising is needed for metal labels
When you order a metal label, the manufacturer does not work with pixels but with geometric shapes. An engraver or die needs to know exactly where every line starts and ends. A raster file, especially at lower resolution, only has coloured dots, not real contours. More guides on this topic are in the category Logo & design.
From experience we know that almost half of first orders are submitted with a raster logo. This always results in extra work: the manufacturer must redraw the logo by hand or ask you for a vector version. That slows production and can add avoidable costs.
A vector file (EPS format) ensures your logo is reproduced sharply on the metal. Whether you need an aluminium outdoor label or a copper badge with 3D relief, the vector file is the language production equipment understands.
How to vectorise a logo: step by step
You have several ways to convert your logo to vector: All options and prices are on the page logo design service.
Vectorise it yourself with software
If you have Adobe Illustrator or a similar programme, you can import a raster image and trace it (in Illustrator: “Image Trace”). This works well for simple, high-contrast logos, for example black-and-white drawings or scanned sketches. For more complex images (many gradients, photo-like details) manual redrawing is usually better.
Free online tools
Websites like Potrace or Auto Tracer convert images to vectors automatically. Quality varies: sharp edges are traced well, but soft gradients can look odd. For a simple logo this may be enough; for high-finish work we do not recommend it.
Have it vectorised professionally
The sharpest route is to hire a designer. Schild offers vectorising from photo or sketch for a price example of €39.95 to €59.95, depending on complexity. The designer analyses your logo, cleans the lines, optimises colour areas and delivers it as a tidy EPS file plus useful export formats (PNG, JPG). You receive it in about 2 working days.
From vector straight to metal label
Once you have a vector file, the path to a professional metal label is short. See our custom metal labels, we accept your EPS file directly. Read our guide on having a metal logo made. Read our guide on metal label finishes.
The next step is to choose the right material. For indoor use (for example labels for furniture) tin, copper or brass work. For outdoors we recommend aluminium, because it does not oxidise like tin and brass. Our team makes a free digital preview of your design on the chosen metal. This usually takes 1–2 working days.
After that the metal label goes into production. You receive it within 4–5 weeks. Schild produces in the EU, since 2021 with over 800,000 metal labels to 1,200+ customers in 19+ countries. The minimum order is 250 pieces; for first orders we can sometimes arrange a sample batch of 50–100 pieces.
Vector quality: what makes a good vector file
Not every vector is equal. A sloppily redrawn vector file can cause problems during engraving.
Clear lines and shapes
Contours must be sharp and closed. Floating points or gaps in lines create unintended holes in the final product. A good vector file has all shapes closed and without overlaps.
Optimal colouring
For metal labels the number of colour areas matters. Each colour area must be a solid colour (no gradients or patterns, unless you want 3D relief). Colour transitions add extra engraving time.
Clean font conversion
If your logo contains text, it must be converted to vector shapes, not left as embedded font data. Missing fonts cause substitutions. More background on brand identity can be found on Wikipedia.
Correct size and proportions
Vector files have no fixed size, they scale infinitely. But designers do set an internal working size (often 100 x 100 mm). Make sure your logo proportions are correct before it goes to production.
When vectorising is needed (and when not)
You need vectorising if: Read our guide on metal labels. Read our guide on metal label thickness.
- You only have your logos as JPG or PNG files (raster formats).
- You want to convert an existing sketch or signature to an editable digital format.
- You want to order a metal label or hard badge, both require EPS.
- You want to use your logo at different sizes (small on a business card, large on a billboard) without quality loss.
- Your logo will go on printed material, embroidery or laser engraving.
You do not need vectorising if:
- You already have an Adobe Illustrator file (.AI) or EPS.
- Your logo is only shown on screen (a PNG/JPG is enough).
- You use pure photography as brand material (stays raster).
Practical advice: common mistakes in vectorising
From experience we know certain choices during vectorising lead to disappointments:
Too much detail
When you vectorise a photo or complex sketch, it is tempting to keep all details. But for metal labels (especially with 3D relief) simplification is better. Fine lines under 0.5 mm are not reproduced well in tin or copper.
Wrong colour choice
Vectorising a colour photo to vector is slow and creates many colour areas. Vectorising a logo works better when you limit yourself to 2–4 base colours. Especially if you later want a label in tin or brass, where colour is limited.
No alpha channel
If your vector needs a transparent background (for example when the logo sits on different backgrounds), make sure the EPS file does not have a white fill behind the logo.
Who is logo vectorising for?
Start-ups and small brands
You created your logo as a selfie photo or sketch. Before you order labels, vectorise it to a professional format. This costs far less than redesigning a full logo and ensures your brand looks the same on every material, from metal label to packaging.
Furniture and interior manufacturers
You want to apply your brand label to furniture. Labels for furniture must be flexible (round legs, curved backs). Schild’s metal labels are 1 mm thin and follow any shape. But first you must vectorise your logo.
Musical instrument makers
You build guitars, violins or string instruments and want your brand stamp on the instrument. Metal labels for musical instruments require a sharp, durable design. A good vector file ensures engraving details are not lost.
Perfume and cosmetics brand
Your bottles get labels for perfume bottles with relief and metallic finish. Vectorising your logo ensures the design is identical on the print and on the label.
Bicycle manufacturers
Your frame design needs labels on curved surfaces (mudguard, seat tube). Vectorising ensures your brand logo can be engraved in relief on the flexible metal label.
Conclusion
Vectorising a logo is not an optional extra, it is required as soon as you want your brand on metal labels, badges or professional print. A raster logo will not work; manufacturers cannot use it.
You have two routes: vectorise it yourself (if you have the software) or outsource it to a designer. For a clean, production-ready result, professional vectorising is usually the wisest choice. It saves debugging later.
Once you have a good EPS file, you are a few steps away from your first metal labels. The minimum order is 250 pieces; for first orders we sometimes help with a smaller test order. Lead time is 4–5 weeks after approval of the free digital preview.
