The file size of vector images and graphics can be kept to a minimum, unlike raster files that may become very large for high-resolution images. It’s not uncommon to have both raster images and vector images in the same project, too. This is especially common with brochures, catalogs, and other print projects difference between raster and vector that combine illustrations and type with photographs. Vector images are not as accessible as rasters, but you can save your vector image as a vector PDF for sharing, as that’s a format most users can open. They don’t just carry pixels but also all the information regarding the assortment of the pixels.

Learn how to come up with your own poster design ideas and see the process of bringing your idea to life in an online image editing tool. If you want to create an image with intricate details mimicking natural textures like a digital painting choose Raster. If you are on a budget choose Raster graphics as they cost less.

What is a Raster (Bitmap) Image?

In Raster images the resolution is made up of thousands of square pixels, pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Their size is always fixed so if you expand a Raster image it will become blurry. If you want to preserve the quality of a Raster image you can only scale down the image. Raster graphics are of a fixed dimension, somewhat like a grid pattern with specified values at each point. These graphics are the default for things from the real world (IE, scanned images, photographs, etc). They are ideal for use when an image will only be used once, and will never need to be enlarged, or if portions are coming from a photograph or other real-world image.

But, if you can zoom in very close, even at 1000% or more, without seeing any pixelation, there’s a good chance the image is a vector. Vectors’ scalability make them ideal for design work consisting of logos and icons. Both logos and icons require immense detail and many size options, usually depending on their application. For example, you might use a logo on something as small as a business card or something as large as a billboard. Vectors are ideal for both large and small format prints, because rasterized designs will lose quality when resized.

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This material can include everything from billboards to posters and business cards. Hence, they need to make sure their illustrations are scalable and can be enlarged or reduced in size as needed. License these images via Westend61 on Offset, Lithiumphoto, olga_wanderer, and oxygen_8.

The ease vectors offer in terms of being resized without losing quality is incomparable to raster images being scaled up or down. Vectors are also ideal for when you want to store a large number of files without compromising on your storage space. The larger the image, the more disk space the image file will take up. We use algorithms that compress images to help reduce these file sizes. Image formats like jpeg and gif are common compressed image formats.

What is a Vector Image?

Consequently, the more you expand it, the more blurred it becomes. If that technical explanation didn’t make much sense to you, think of it this way. With raster images, you’re basically telling your computer, «this pixel should be blue, the next one should be purple, the one after that should be pink,» and so on.

Be sure to think about the ways a design will be used and how that could impact the size. Also, consider the level of detail in the image to know if it should be a raster/bitmap or vector image. Choosing the right file type isn’t difficult when you understand the key differences.

Raster vs Vector Graphics: Differences, Similarities and Best Uses

A vector image is a type of digital image that’s created using mathematical equations instead of pixels. Vector images are created in specialized programs like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. Unlike raster images, which are dependent on resolution, vector images can be scaled to any size without loss of quality. This is because each equation defines a single line or shape in the image. Some common examples of vector files include logos, flyers, and illustrations.

Meanwhile, vector images are in the format of SVG, and some others. (Ordinary people don’t use vector graphics.) You can’t upload .svg files, normally, and not everyone has an editor (even though Inkscape is free). Vectors are the appropriate choice in many situations, including logos, icons, illustrations, and more. Aside from providing the ability to scale up in size without losing quality, vectors also provide more flexibility. You can design an image in vector format and later save it as a raster image file if needed.

Vector graphics are great for simplistic, or geometrical images such as logos, icons, illustrations, graphs, and typography. Understanding the differences in file types is essential so you can be sure you’re using the best option for your creative design project. The raster vs. vector decision mostly comes down to scalability.

• Now you are ready to use the strengths of both to your advantage.
• This photo by taratata looks clear when viewed at a normal size.
• Vectors are ideal for both large and small format prints, because rasterized designs will lose quality when resized.
• Vectors’ scalability make them ideal for design work consisting of logos and icons.

They’re more flexible as each shape is separate and you can scale up and down as much as you like, but it’s harder to make the images look natural. But if you view it at 1000% in Photoshop, you’ll notice that it loses clarity because the pixels simply become too large. The image below shows a very small section of the photo displayed at 1000%. Iveta is a passionate writer at GraphicMama who has been writing for the brand ever since the blog was launched. She keeps her focus on inspiring people and giving insight on topics like graphic design, illustrations, education, business, marketing, and more. If you feel like experimenting with vector graphics, here are the 16 best sources for free vector graphics on the web.

This makes them perfect for businesses looking to create material such as logos, brochures, merchandise, and so on. They often Some common vector files types are SVG and PDF files and are typically used for backgrounds, templates, and banners. See how the edges become pixelated (losing image quality) and jagged when magnified? Obvious pixels make an image look unprofessional and unsightly. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to only downsize a raster image to avoid heavy pixelation. Raster, or bitmap, images consist of tiny squares—pixels—that contain bits of color.