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May. 2, 2019
What is difference between vector and raster graphics?
- It is quite amazing how a technology works. How we can capture images using our gadgets and how it is reproduced. Behind these photographs and documents that we capture and printout are what we call vector and raster graphics.
- Raster graphics or images use bitmaps to store details. Larger files, therefore, need large bitmaps and more disk space. Accordingly, a bitmap is 1 bit per pixel. Pixel or dots is defined as a physical point in a picture. Every individual pixel is simply the tiniest known element of a picture represented on a screen so therefore, the majority of pictures that we see on our computer screen are raster images. Another example of a raster image is that selfie we took with our mobile phones. So it is simply identified that an image is a collection of pixels referred to as a bitmap. Algorithms are used to compress images, to help reduce file sizes. Jpeg and gif are common compressed image formats so as referred to as in raster format. It is easy to scale down these images but enlarging it would mean enlarging a bitmap which makes it pixelated or blurred. Raster images are identified with these file extensions: .BMP, .TIF, .GIF, .JPG.
- Vector image or graphics make use of sequential commands, or mathematical formula, or programs, or line art which places lines or shapes in a 2-D or 3-D environment thus making them ideal for printing due to its series of mathematical curves. For this reason, vector image does not blur or becomes pixelated even when enlarged. The file, in vector graphics, is created and saved as a sequence of vector statements. Commands are being used to describe a series of points to be connected rather than having a bit in the file for each of line drawing. Vector images are identified with the following file extensions: .SVG, .EPS, .PDF, .AI, .DXF.
- There are called raster devices such as printers and display devices. So for one to print a vector image it has to be converted from vector to raster. Take note, the size of the vector image to be converted always remains the same.
- Converting from raster to vector format is another story and is not an ideal choice since the image size reduces drastically, exact conversion is quite impossible. As a result, converted images are prone to losing quality.
- In short, the main difference between vector and raster graphics is that while raster graphics are composed of pixels, vector graphics are composed of paths. Keep in mind that vector graphics can be only created with specialized software such as Adobe Illustrator making it impossible for photos to be taken in vector format. While all printed images and photos were taken with digital cameras are in raster format.
- Having known the difference between vector and raster graphics, you will now have an idea as to the software you'll use for your projects such as a business card or postcard. For more ideas, you may check this site.
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