Vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon(s), which are all based on mathematical equations, to represent images in computer graphics.

Vector graphics formats are complementary to raster graphics, which is the representation of images as an array of pixels, small circles or squares that define color as it is typically used for the representation of photographic images. To output to a plotter your artwork needs to be in a vector format.

A quick way to check your graphics is to open them in your design software and then view them without fills in outline mode. If no image shows up then it probably a rastor if an outline of your image shows up then it is a vector.

Please see the images below for working examples.