RIP stands for Raster Image Processor and any application that is a RIP can transform vector data into raster data. Vector data is data that is not defined in pixels but by math which enables it to be scaled infinitely without any loss in quality. Typical examples of vector data are fonts, logos, and illustrations. Programs such as InDesign, Quark, Corel Draw, all can create and utilize vector data in their layouts. File formats that end in PS, PDF, and EPS most often contain vector data and will only be printed properly by an application that contains a Raster Image Processor. TIFF, JPEG, Camera RAW, and other photographic formats are defined by pixels rather than vector math and do not require a RIP to be printed.