Scaling down these images is easy but enlarging a bitmap makes it pixelated or simply blurred. Hence for images that need to scale to different sizes, we use vector graphics. Most often they are vector files, but it depends on what program was used to create it. For example, if the PDF was created in Photoshop, it will be saved as a raster file. And sometimes, a PDF can contain raster images, like JPEGs and PNGs as well as vector images. If you are dealing with photos and require extremely intricate editing, raster is the most suitable choice.
The image will maintain sharpness and clarity even when it is enlarged. Of course, this is very helpful for printing flexibility when you might need an image in a very large size. A raster image can be edited in software like Adobe Photoshop. You should choose a raster file format when you’re working with a photograph, complex difference between raster and vector image, and for saving or exporting most other graphics that will be displayed online. However, the number of pixels in a raster graphic can also increase the file size. Those photos taken with a 20-megapixel camera will take up more space on a memory card or hard drive than photos taken with an 8-megapixel camera.
When to Use Vector vs. Raster
This comes in handy when there are restrictions to file sizes or image storage. While a vector image file has many advantages, there are compatibility issues when shared. You must have access to vector-based programs in order to edit the native files. 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.
- Since they do not contain pixels, vector images can be scaled to any size with no loss in quality.
- You can use Vector and Raster images together when you to print a photo with a logo like a brochure, postcards, business greeting, etc.
- Whenever you take a photo with your phone, or take a screenshot on your computer, you’re creating a raster image.
- It’s common to work with a mix of the two e.g. where you have a photo and other elements.
- When you zoom in on a raster image, you’ll see the individual pixels that make up the image.
- Raster, or bitmap, images consist of tiny squares—pixels—that contain bits of color.
However, they are unsuitable for projects involving different software. When creating high-resolution graphics, you do want the best files for your project. Use this simple guide to help you choose the right files to send. Vector graphics are graphics in which the image is represented in a mathematical fashion. What this allows one to do is to zoom in an image to infinite precision.
The Details of Vector Graphics
Since businesses need to store a large number of files on their devices, saving on space is just one more reason to opt for vector images over rasters. Raster graphics are made up of pixels, which are tiny dots that carry certain color information, and, combined together, they form an entire image. Vectors, meanwhile, have math as their building blocks and, consequently, do not offer the type of nuance that rasters do.
Take a look at the image of the black panther illustration below. Technically, they are both raster images now, but for demonstrative purposes, the native file of the one on the left was a raster JPG and the one on the right was a vector EPS. As you can see from the zoomed-in views below, you can begin to see the individual pixels that make up the picture on the left, giving it a blurry – or pixelated – appearance. Meanwhile, no matter how much you zoom in on the panther on the right, you will always see smooth lines. They’re made of paths and curves dictated by mathematical formulas.
Vector vs Raster Graphics
Vector graphics are often used for product artwork because they’re scalable, meaning they can be easily resized for use on everything from matchbooks to billboards. Vector programs can also take longer to render objects with more complexity, such as a photograph or landscape. A vector image’s formulaic makeup keeps file sizes to a minimum in comparison to its raster counterparts.
It would be a pain to edit vector images with pixel-point precision, and the result won’t be as impressive as a raster anyway. Similarly, if you wish to create a very nuanced image that features complexity in terms of color, tone, depth, and content, go for raster graphics. Pixels have the ability to offer the kind of detail that vectors simply can’t. Choosing the wrong format can result in a loss of quality—a degradation of individual pixels that lowers image resolution. That’s why it’s essential for graphic designers to be comfortable with both formats and understand how they translate when exported. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about working with raster and vector files.
Raster vs Vector Graphics – Application:
It’s true that 72 dpi raster images are usually the norm for web publications and they work just fine. You should either work with a vector source or use high-resolution raster files. The latter option is often the preferred one, because, sometimes, vector images are not accurately printed. If you don’t want to compromise on the image’s clarity, the recommended raster resolution is 300 dpi. Since you can’t save photos as vectors, printed magazines, newspapers, etc. use the photos in their high-resolution rasters.
If you look closely at a scalar image you will see many equally sized squares. Vector images are infinitely scalable as the mathematical formulas change when you resize the image. They retain their clarity and sharpness even when you enlarge the image. If you look closely at a Vector image you will see seamless curves and well-defined lines.
Vector images are quite lighter than their raster peers because their dimensions are defined by mathematical calculations and not by millions of pixels. The high efficiency of their file sizes makes them much more convenient to transfer them from one device to another. Plus, they carry a lot of information in a relatively small file size format (compared to the same file size of a raster image format). Rasterizing is the process of converting a vector image into a bitmap image. Sometimes, you need to rasterize an image because the file format you’re using doesn’t support vector images.
For example, converting a raster image to vector is best reserved for simplistic designs rather than photographs and portraits. Shutterstock’s collection of images includes tons of scalable vector graphics and images available for download, like fonts, patterns, and illustrations. To view vector images exclusively, change the Image Type located under the search bar and select Vectors. Raster images are compatible with all recognizable and popular software. This makes them suitable for mass use in multipurpose projects. Most of the images that you see on the internet are Raster images.
So, while vectors are ideal for scalable logos, typography, and design, they’re not the best choice for photographic images. In the example image above, the raster version of the photograph (on the left) looks best. The vector version of the image (on the right) is oversimplified, as vector programs visualize graphics in groups of solid colors. Other popular programs include CorelDraw and Affinity Designer, and vector images can be both created and edited using these programs. The most common file formats for vector graphics are AI, CDR, and SVG, depending on which software you’re using to design vector images.