Vector creation best practices

Last updated on Jun 11, 2026

Learn about the best practices for creating professional vectors that meet Adobe Stock submission standards, improve discoverability, and ensure content is easy to edit and adapt.

Best practices for vector components

Well-structured vector components make your files easier for customers to edit and reuse:

  • Minimize and outline the text.
  • Join objects or regroup elements as compound shapes to simplify editability.
  • Fit the vector to the artboard to minimize surrounding whitespace.
  • Don’t include signatures or names within the vector.
  • Don’t include raster images (JPEGs) or elements to the vectors.

Best practices for paths

Clean, well-managed paths improve file quality and reduce the risk of content refusal.

  • Simplify paths or combine objects to improve the anchor points.
  • Close paths on any filled shape.
  • Consider using a variety of stroke weights in your vector.
  • Minimize the use of any trace features.
  • Outline all strokes as paths or shapes.

Best practices for organizing vectors before exporting

Organizing your vector before export makes it easier for customers to work with and reduces errors during submission.

  • Organize the design into labeled layers and groups to avoid flattened designs that limit customization. 
  • Delete any hidden or empty layers to clean up your vectors.
  • Ensure your vector is on one artboard.
  • Delete anything outside the artboard boundaries.
Note

Adobe automatically creates transparent PNG previews for vectors with transparent or solid backgrounds, making them usable in web design and overlay workflows.