Difference between Raster and Vector Graphics

No matter how much you scale up or down or how many times you change their size, vector images don’t lose their quality and sharpness. Vector images are quickly and perfectly scalable and much more versatile and flexible than a raster image. Since vector images form with mathematical equations, you can resize them by simply recalculating the equation and maintaining crisp, sharp edges. To determine whether your raster images are a suitable resolution for a specific application, you need to check their pixel density. Units of measurement such as dots per inch (DPI) or pixels per inch (PPI) refer to the number of pixels in one inch of the image. These measurements become important when you attempt to use raster images in specific places, such as on the web or in print publications.

Raster graphic applications typically have a range of photo effects, and photo editing functions. Also any image where you require a full colour range, raster graphics are more appropriate. Vector graphics are more appropriate for drawing images from scratch. For example, if you were designing a logo from scratch or drawing a cartoon character. Both of these projects would benefit from the scalability of vector graphic applications, and the other tools within the vector applications designed specifically to help with drawing projects. Raster vs vector graphics are made up of square pixels and have a much clearer and more precise visual representation of color and gradient when it comes to detailed images.

Vector graphics

Vector files, made up of points and lines to create paths, can be scaled up and down without losing quality. When working with digital images, it’s important to understand the difference between raster and vector graphics. Raster images are made up of pixels, while vector graphics use mathematical formulas to define shapes and lines. Each type of graphic has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two often depends on the specific application. Understanding the differences between raster and vector graphics can help you make more informed decisions when creating or editing digital images.

raster and vector graphics difference

The larger the resolution, the more pixels there are, the larger the file size the image will be. There are different types of raster graphics used to compress https://deveducation.com/ file size using a range of different techniques. For example Gif file format compresses file size of an image by simplifying colour information of an image.

Vector vs Raster Graphics – Flexibility:

Raster images take more hard disk space than vector format images, even when they appear to look the same. That is because raster files include information about each pixel in the graphic. Compression techniques can mitigate this issue, although if space is a major concern these graphics may present you with a challenge. Typical raster graphic file formats include .bmp, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .png, .psd, and .tif. On the other hand, vector images are best for any project that demands scalability. As previously mentioned, marketing material such as logos and brochures are good examples of such projects.

Just as there’s a time and place to use raster, so too is there a time and place for vector. Because a vector image can be resized without end, designers and printers love these files the most. Often you’ll find that logos, icons, and computer-generated illustrations are vector images because they need to be reused and resized for different purposes. A logo may sit in the header of a company letter, or it may be used on the side of a commercial vehicle. This in-turn saves time and money along the way because new images don’t need to be produced over and over again. Images whether it is raster or vector, both have their unique qualities and purposes.

For photos you need raster images and Adobe Photoshop; for letterhead, text, logos, and other simple graphic elements, you need vector images and Adobe Illustrator. If you’re not totally sure which kind of graphic to use, follow these guidelines. If you’re editing photos with multiple colors, choose raster images. If raster and vector graphics difference you’re drawing something with a limited number of colors, choose vector images. You can also create a project that uses both photos and logos, or both kinds of graphics. Raster images are best for photos, while vectors are best for logos, illustrations, engravings, etchings, product artwork, signage, and embroidery.

  • The advertising agencies use logos, posters, banners, festoons, flyers, and many other things where product images are added.
  • As the pixel number is fixed, if you try to rescale the raster image to fill a larger space, then the image gets pixelated and starts looking blurry.
  • The vector image is very helpful when you need a high-quality image that you can rescale several times without making the image blurry.
  • It contains a document that contains text, lines, shapes, images, colors, and effects.
  • The images which are not attractive on the site are also not customer-friendly and they cannot catch the attention of the customers.