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.
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.
What Is White Space in Design and Why Should We Use it?
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.
These paths and curves are produced exclusively through software designed for vectors, like Adobe Illustrator or Sketch. Due to their algorithmic makeup, vectors are infinitely scalable, and remain smooth and crisp even when sized up to massive dimensions. Even when scaled to substantial proportions, the pattern below remains clean and exact. Elements like fonts render the same way—when sized up or down, they retain their quality.
What is the difference between raster and vector?
Between raster and vector images, the «better» choice depends on the content and purpose of the image. By understanding the difference between these two image types, you’ll be able to create better-quality graphics for your projects. Rasters, on the other hand, are made up of pixels or tiny dots that compose an image using color and tone.
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 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.
Can raster images be converted to vector?
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.
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.
What is a Vector Image?
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.
- While a raster image comprises of a series of individual colored pixels.
- Also, consider the level of detail in the image to know if it should be a raster/bitmap or vector image.
- Even when scaled to substantial proportions, the pattern below remains clean and exact.
- To edit these images, you need access to raster-based programs like Adobe Photoshop or Shutterstock Editor.
- On the other hand, raster file sizes are defined by their DPI or PPI, fixed widths, and heights, which makes them much heavier while containing less information.
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.
The first factor that will help you define whether a certain image is in vector or raster format, is scalability. Vector images don’t lose their sharpness and clarity, no matter to what extend or how many times you change their size. If you’re one to surf the web, chances are that you’ve seen and used tons of raster images before. Whenever you take a photo with your phone, or take a screenshot on your computer, you’re creating a raster image. All digital images can be classified as either raster or vector. These terms can sound confusing if you’re not familiar with computer graphics, but we’re here to explain everything you need to know.
Other common raster images include 3D graphics, abstract backgrounds, and watercolor backgrounds. Vector and Raster graphics are two types of digital graphics used in various projects. The vector image consists of mathematical formulas that control the path of the image. While a raster difference between raster and vector image comprises of a series of individual colored pixels. There can be more compatibility issues when using vector images as opposed to rasters. You’ll need to use software programs that are specifically intended to create or edit vectors, such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
Converting Raster to Vector (and Vice Versa)
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.