Raster and vector are two file types we use to store digital images. The basic difference between these two types of digital images is that the raster image is formed using pixels. However, the vector image is formed using a mathematical expression, lines and curves with fixed checkpoints. Because they use many pixels, raster images are usually larger than vector images. As a result, such files take up a vast amount of storage space on your device or slow downloading speeds on your website. On the other hand, vector files take up less storage space because stored math formulas determine their design.
Pixels are minute squares fixed in place on a computer and are reserved for color information (either solid or semi-transparent). When viewed from a distance, the individual pixels disappear to the human eye, creating a seamless raster image. 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. If you want to upload the image on the Internet, use it for PPT, or email it, then a raster image is perfect for your use.
How Do I Know if My Image is a Vector?
How raster images are used depends upon the quality and size of any image. The number of pixels decides the size of the image, also known as the resolution. The more pixels an image has, the higher it will be in detail and quality.
While vector graphics are great for many digital design projects, there are certain instances where you’ll need a raster image to achieve the right outcome. There are several differences between raster and vector formats, from storing data within the files to ideal use cases. 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 vs. Vector: Final Thoughts
Raster and vector are technical terms that describe the majority of images we encounter on a screen. 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. Or, you might need to rasterize an image because you want to apply a Photoshop filter or bitmap effect that can only be applied to raster images. With clarity on raster and vector differences, you are all set to experiment with your photos, designs, and illustrations using the correct methods.
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. Because vector and raster files are fundamentally different, conversion is not always possible. Vector images are less complex, so converting from vector to raster is as simple as exporting the image to a raster file type. Converting from raster to vector, however, requires completely redrawing the image.
Can raster images be converted to vector?
However, when raster images are resized, they lose their quality. The main difference between raster and vector images is raster images are composed of pixels, which are tiny square units of color. When you zoom in on a raster image, you’ll see the individual pixels that make up the image.
- PDFs are mostly vector files, and only sometimes are they raster files.
- However, a PDF created using Photoshop will get saved as a raster file.
- When you take a picture with a phone or camera, the image is recorded as pixel data.
So, raster for photos and details, vector for logos, and clean graphics. The main difference between raster and vector files is how they store information. Vector images use mathematical formula to define shapes, allowing them to scale infinitely without losing quality. The primary difference between raster and vector images is their resolution. Raster files are measured in DPI, i.e., dots per inch, or PPI, i.e., pixels per inch. A high-resolution raster image will showcase a variety of colors, resulting in excellent color editing.
How to create a vector image
The file’s design software determines the difference between raster files and vectors. Typical vector programs include Illustrator, raster and vector graphics Corel Draw, Inkscape, and Corel PhotoShop. If you want a good quality Raster image you will have to create it in a specific size.
Both formats have advantages and disadvantages, and each is ideal for different types of digital projects. On the other hand, vector images are made of equations translated into code and so they take up far less space. 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. They don’t just carry pixels but also all the information regarding the assortment of the pixels.
What are Vector Image Formats?
Though the Vector images are less detailed they offer precise paths. Vector images can be transformed into Raster graphics to port between systems. As you can see, each point is defined, color gradients are smooth and even, and the lines, dots, and curves are all neat and precise.
When enlargement of images is performed without change of pixels, it looks blurry. If you add more pixels to the image the image becomes random and produces rarely excellent results. Like we mentioned above, raster images, or bitmaps as they are often called, are digital images that are made up of pixels. When you view a raster image on a screen at 100%, all the pixels combine to create the image. However, if you zoom in on it, you’ll start to see the individual colored pixels. Photographs are the most common raster images, but any digital graphic can be a raster.
Online Raster to Vector Converters
Vector images make use of mathematical equations, lines and curves to form an image. Thus, we can easily rescale the vector image without losing the quality of the image. By understanding the difference between these two image types, you’ll be able to create better-quality graphics for your projects. They are photographs of some sort, which makes JPEGs raster images. It is a lossy format of raster images, and their size is denoted by the width and height of the image in pixels. The most common example of a raster file is a digital photo you take on your phone camera or DSLR.