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Raster vs Vector Graphics: Differences, Similarities and Best Uses

It is always going to fall short of the complexity and subtlety the latter provides. Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular raster-based editors available and has been used to edit photographs, create graphic designs, and illustrate. Programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Sketch are best used to create and manipulate vector images. Avoid raster-based programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, when incorporating vector elements that need to be scaled. Vectors images are smaller in file size as their dimensions are controlled by mathematical formulas.

raster and vector graphics difference

When you zoom in on an image, the pixels become more apparent while the details of the image become blurry. A Raster image is not scalable as they have a fixed resolution and dimensions. The pixels get enlarged if you try to zoom the image that makes the image blurry. You can always scale down a Raster image to maintain its quality.

Should I Use a Raster or Vector File?

Sketchbook Pro and Corel Painter are other common raster editors, and file formats for raters include JPG, PSD, BMP, PNG, GIF, and TIF, just to site the most common examples. Since raster graphics are made up of square-shaped pixels, they’re best for displaying more detailed images and subtle gradations in colored pixels. Because raster images are more readily available in difference between raster and vector common file formats, they’re more accessible across multiple applications. They’re also easier to view and share online, especially on social media and through web image browsers. 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.

raster and vector graphics difference

A small downside to using vector images is the fact that they are often saved in the native format of the program used to create them. So, you’ll probably have to download that specific program if you want to make edits to the image. Each of the following file formats displays pixels, and each has its own distinct display settings. Some files take up additional data and use higher resolutions. Others take up less storage, but tend to be lower in resolution and quality.

Vector vs. Raster: What’s the Difference?

They can draw other „primitives“ like squares, circles, curves. Let us throw some light on the subject and explain the basic differences between them. We will pinpoint the most important factors which could affect your choice of file format for your next project. There are a number of programs for making vector-based drawings.

But with vector images, you’re saying, „fill the background with a left-to-right gradient that fades from blue to pink.“ Moreover, and more importantly, the time and energy that it will take to make a vector resemble a raster is not worth the underwhelming result. As vector images are composed of mathematically-defined points, every change in color or tone would require you to create a new line, point, curve, and equation. Another handy design resource is Shutterstock Create, a free raster-based image editor that lets users create and edit high-quality images on any device. Converting a raster image to vector formats can be done, but in specific contexts.

Raster vs. Vector Images: What’s the Difference?

It’ll be more flexible for scaling, easier to edit, and you won’t have to worry about the resolution being high enough for print (vector images have infinite resolution). A source of high-quality vector graphics offering a huge variety of premade character designs, graphic design bundles, Adobe Character Animator puppets, and more. To sum it up, both vector and raster images have their unique qualities and purposes. It is important to know when it’s appropriate to use vectors instead of rasters and vice versa.

raster and vector graphics difference

Designers, webmaster, and marketers that are starting out find it difficult to understand the difference between Raster and Vector graphics.

Vector File Formats and When to Use Them

Vector graphics can be resized numerously without losing quality. This makes them perfect for multipurpose projects requiring flexibility in the image size. For example, a vector logo is a reliable source from which you can create raster in different sizes. You can use them for various marketing needs you’ll be facing in the future, either print or web. On the contrary, you need a particular size of a raster format to achieve a certain quality. On the other hand, vector images are made of equations translated into code and so they take up far less space.

raster and vector graphics difference

The image below shows a comparison of how Vector and Raster images are created. Notice I couldn’t upload because it was in .svg (vector) format. Raster files can be downsized with no problem, but enlarging them will lead to a loss of sharpness and clarity. Vector images also have the tendency to stand out with their attractive use of color, texture, depth, and layers. This gives businesses another reason to use them in their promotional content.

Creating vector and raster graphics:

To transfer Raster files, it’s a good idea to compress them first. These paths are defined in terms of proportions, ratio, height, width, and other dimensions. When you resize a Vector image the mathematical equations recalculate the curves, lines, and nodes, so the image remains sharp and clear. Vector images can be created with specialized software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw or InkScape. Though the Vector images are less detailed they offer precise paths. Vector images can be transformed into Raster graphics to port between systems.

raster and vector graphics difference

Raster images can be created with software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Converting a Raster image to a Vector image is complicated and time-consuming. Also, converting Raster to Vector is unnecessary as the printed images or photos captured with a digital camera are in Raster format.

I understand from prior knowledge that there are two different image format / composition options available for creating images; raster and vector. Generally speaking, there are also far more programs and apps that support raster formats compared to those that support vector ones. For example’s sake, let’s say you have a logo that needs to be constantly resized for different purposes, or a graphic that consists of solid colors and simple shapes. This is a screenshot of the farmer’s face on the example vector logo from above, zoomed in as far as the computer would allow. No matter how far you zoom in on a vector image, you will always see smooth lines. Knowing when to use raster and when to use vector in specific applications is an essential skill for anyone engaged in graphic design.

  • If you don’t want to spend money, you can take a look at any number of the best free Adobe Illustrator vector alternatives available online right now.
  • If you require complex colors and flawless color blending like a painting, choose Raster graphics.
  • In Raster images the resolution is made up of thousands of square pixels, pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI).
  • Image formats like jpeg and gif are common compressed image formats.
13. November 2024
Die Inhalte dieser Seite sind das geistige Eigentum von Dirk Grenke (Inhaber der Tanzschule Grenke). Die Nutzung ist ausschließlich zu schulungszwecken innerhalb dieser Onlinekurse gestattet.