


Resolution limits the size the image can be scaled up without being able to see pixels. The lower the number of pixels, the lower the resolution. 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. Each image can only contain a fixed number of pixels the amount of pixels determines the quality of the image. These images are created by digital cameras, by scanning images into a computer or with raster-based software. Pixels appear like little squares on graph paper when the image is zoomed in or enlarged. Raster images are made of pixels or tiny dots that use color and tone to produce the image. Because they consist of lines and anchor points, the size of the file is relatively small. These graphics are also device-independent, which means their quality doesn't depend on the number of dots available on a printer or the number of pixels on a screen. Their lines are sharp, without any loss in quality or detail, no matter what their size. Because these graphics are not based on pixels, they are known as resolution independent, which makes them infinitely scalable. 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. However, a disadvantage of this method is that the final raster image will not be scalable and will be too pixilated to be used on various platforms, which means that the image would have to be edited or re-made for different formats and uses.Vector graphics are also known as scalable vector graphics (SVG). This is an effective method as a raster image has a wider range of effects that can be applied to the images.

Still, conversion from vector to raster is easier, rather than the other way around, and since, text imaging and editing is very difficult in raster, it is easier to generate text as a vector image and then incorporate it into a raster image. However, vector files do not support photographic imagery well and can often be problematic for cross-platform exchange. Raster images display finer gradation in light and shading at the right resolution.Īnother disadvantage of vector images is that they cannot be used in an electronic format they must first be converted to a raster image. Raster images are used for photographs and high colored images in web and print, as they are capable of displaying various different colors in a single image and allow for color editing in the image. Hence, the logo will look the same on a business card as it will on a billboard. Vector images are often used for logos, letterheads, texts, and other designs, as it always the image to be resized without effecting its quality. A raster image, on the other hand, is visibly pixilated when enhanced. This is mainly due to the mathematical formulas, which allow the image to hold its form, as the formula dictates how the image is rendered. The advantage that vector images have over raster images is that vector images can be resized without any visible negative impacts. A vector image is limited, as an image has to be looped and closed off before it can be filled with color. Raster images are mainly used for high density images, or images with many different colors, as each pixel can have a different color, which can be overlapped for different colors and shapes. The data file for a vector image contains the points where the paths start and end, how much the paths curve, and the colors that either border or fill the paths. A vector image is made up of paths, each with a mathematical formula, also known as a vector, which tells the path how the each part of the image is shaped and what color it is bordered with or filled by. Examples of raster images include gif or jpeg. Raster images are more commonly called bitmap images. Vector images are typically generated using drawing or illustration programs, such as Adobe Illustrator.Ī raster images uses different colored pixels, which are arranged in a manner to display an image. Raster images are produced by digital image capture devices, such as digital scanners or digital cameras, or by pixel editing programs, i.e. The basic difference between raster and vector is that a raster image is made up of pixels, whereas a vector image is made up of paths. Raster and vector are two different ways to draw up computer graphics. Key difference: A raster images uses different colored pixels, which are arranged in a manner to display an image.
