What is Raster and Vector Graphics?

There are several differences between raster and vector formats, from storing data within the files to ideal use cases. For this reason vector graphics are ideal for logos and other projects that need to remain sharp at multiple sizes. The most common raster file types include JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF, BMP, and PSD.

Most printing projects require images to be at least 300ppi, for example. Before we get to the differences, what is a vector vs. raster image? Raster and vector are two different sides of graphic design. Their structure and type of work are almost different from each other. Here I tried to focus on some major differences advantages and disadvantages. Secondly, vector graphics are much more lightweight than raster ones.

Differences Between Vector and Raster Images

Raster images might be compared to pointillist paintings, which are composed with a series of individually-colored dots of paint. Each paint dot in a pointillist painting might represent a single pixel in a raster image. When viewed as an individual dot, it’s just a color; but when viewed as a whole, the colored dots make up a vivid and detailed painting. The pixels in a raster image work in the same manner, which provides for rich details and pixel-by-pixel editing. As mentioned earlier, each pixel in a rasterized image contains a specific hue or shade, which contributes to the overall yet detailed appearance of the photo.

That includes how they work, when to use them, and how to approach the raster vs. vector question. Vector graphics are also known as scalable vector graphics (SVG). These graphics consist of anchored dots and are connected by lines and curves, similar to the connect-the-dot activities you may have done as a kid.

Vector Images

So you can scale a vector-based graphic to whatever size you had in mind, without compromising on quality. Also, since it doesn’t contain countless pixels, a vector file tends to use less space. This is a dilemma that even the most experienced photographers, graphic designers, or webmasters face every once in a while. So if you’re a newbie to the mentioned fields and find yourself in such a tight-spot, fret not. Instead, take time to fully understand what each file format brings to the table.

• Vector programs best for creating logos, drawings and illustrations, technical drawings. When you enlarge the image file without changing the number of pixels, the image will look blurry. When you enlarge the file by adding more pixels, the pixels are added randomly throughout the image, rarely producing good results.

Product

Raster graphics store visual information as a two-dimensional map of pixels, also known as a bitmap. Zoom in on a raster image, and you’ll see the information it stores — data about the color of each pixel. Zoom out, and the pixels appear to blend seamlessly to create an image. While vector graphics are great for many digital design projects, there are certain instances where you’ll need a raster image to achieve the right outcome.

These images have dedicated color gradients, scales, shadows, and shading, which means they can be scaled further without pixelating. Raster images are capable of displaying a myriad of colors in a single image and allow for color editing beyond that of a vector image. They can display finer nuances in light and shading at the right resolution. Vector images are scalable, so that the same image can be designed once and resized infinitely for any size application – from business card to billboard.

How to determine what size your raster image must be for printing:

Compression can help minimize those file sizes, but compared to vectors, rasters take up a lot of space. Since vectors rely on calculations to be performed by the programs that load them, the only information they need to contain are their mathematical formulas. Raster images are capable of rendering complex, multi-colored visuals, including soft color gradients. Digital cameras create raster images, and all the photographs you see in print and online are raster images.

They showcase finer nuances in shading and light at higher resolutions. However, raster files, especially high resolution files, are very large. On the other hand, the characteristic of raster graphics is to show detailed images with complex colors and blendings. When you surf the Internet, it’s easy to see a raster image.

Both rasters and vectors can be rendered in EPS and PDF format, where the software that created the file dictates whether it’s a raster or vector file. As seen, both file formats carry their perks and disadvantages and are more efficient in some situations than others. Therefore, whether you decide to use a vector or raster, it all boils down to the nature of your work. For instance, if most of your work revolves around digital photography, then raster file formats are for you.

• An example of a vector-based design is the business card you give your clients whenever an opportunity arises.
• It is the fundamental difference that makes vector images a clean winner over raster images.
• You can convert the image to a vector, but it may be a complex one, and the end result will witness a drop in finer details.
• It simply means that your image will retain its quality regardless of how you enlarge it.

On the other hand, vector files take up less storage space because stored math formulas determine their design. You will encounter raster and vector images regularly if you work with digital photos, logos, and graphic designs. These are the two most common files difference between raster and vector used in design, photography, and illustration. Vector and raster images decide your every step of work, right from choosing the software to producing accurate designs. The file storage method is one of the main differences between raster and vector images.

The Basics of Graphic Design

For scalable designs with fewer colors, vector graphics are ideal, despite their inability to render totally smooth color transitions. To cover all of your bases, have your design in both formats, or in vector form to be converted later. Rather than being comprised of square-shaped pixels, vectors are made up of mathematical curves and lines, meaning vectors display visual information differently than raster images. So, while vectors are ideal for scalable logos, typography, and design, they’re not the best choice for photographic images.