Whats the difference between vector and raster images?

Only illustrations that are made to look like photographs can be created in a vector workspace. Though raster images can’t be scaled up, they can be scaled down; which is typically the case for web images, raster and vector graphics difference often saved in smaller sizes and at resolutions of either 72ppi or 96ppi. 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.

From the name itself, Logomakerr can help you create a logo with a great quality assurance you can use on your brand. We can help you create vector illustrations, logos, and icons in seconds without needing to learn graphic design https://deveducation.com/ or have experience designing a logo. Raster images are often called bitmap images because they are made of millions of tiny squares, called pixels. You can identify a raster or bitmap image by looking at it very closely.

Vector vs. Raster Images: Understanding the Difference Between the Formats

Images are saved at a high DPI so that quality will not suffer during the printing process. You can find out more about DPI and PPI in this previous Design Shack article. Raster images are the preferred method when working with photographs. When photos are taken with a digital camera or copied on a scanner, the resulting files are raster images. With all of the image options and file formats out there, it can be a little overwhelming when you are choosing what file type to use (and send to clients). In this article, we have covered the advantages, disadvantages, and the key differences between raster and vector graphics in their respective explanations.

Raster images are typically acceptable for digital publication but may not work well in printed projects. Often these files are saved as low resolutions and are not suitable for print reproduction. Raster images are composed by using pixels, or tiny dots, comprising unique tonal information and color that come together to create the image. In short, a raster graphic is a dot matrix data structure that shows a generally rectangular grid of pixels.

How to Produce a Layout in Graphic Design

Generally speaking, vector images are made up of paths or line art that can infinitely scalable because they work based on algorithms rather than pixels. The main difference between vector and raster graphics is that raster graphics are composed of pixels, while vector graphics are composed of paths. A raster graphic, such as a gif or jpeg, is an array of pixels of various colors, which together form an image. Vector images make use of mathematical equations, lines and curves to form an image.

These images are created by digital cameras, by scanning images into a computer or with raster-based software. Each image can only contain a fixed number of pixels; the amount of pixels determines the quality of the image. More pixels result in better quality at the same or larger sizes as the original, but this also increases the size of the file and the amount of space it takes to store the file.

Both logos and icons require immense details and many size options, usually depending on their application. Due to their algorithmic makeup, vectors are infinitely scalable, and remain smooth and crisp even when sized up to massive dimensions. Out of all the software available, Adobe Illustrator is the most popular, and its popularity has led it to become the industry standard. Knowing how to best optimize the quality of your graphic, while keeping its file size low, is a crucial skill for every creative.

• Because they consist of lines and anchor points, the size of the file is relatively small.
• The most common raster files are JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or photographs with complex details to be displayed at a specific size.
• Even though raster graphics have a broader color spectrum and allow for more complex composition with greater light and shading display than vector visuals, they lose quality when resized.
• This makes them ideal for use on digital displays where it is necessary to have clear and crisp text without any pixelation interference.
• That’s why it’s important to know the difference between the two, especially if you’re someone who deals with digital images often.
• Thus, vector images are composed of lines, curves, and points (anchors), all mapped out on a grid.

Follow these step-by-step processes to create an SEO-driven content marketing strategy that ranks and resonates with your audience. Rasterized effects can be added to vectors, but it’s not the same as a true vector and things like scalability and resolution become factors to consider. She is good at providing simple guides to use various video, office and entertainment software. Charlotte also recommends many other useful tools to make your work and life easier. This article was originally written by Allison S. Gremillion and published in 2011. The current version has been updated with new information and examples.