What do you think about the raster vs. vector? In short, raster files will display a wide range of colors, and here you have the opportunity to do greater color editing. It will show more light and shading than the vector image.
However, when we resize them perfectly, they will lose their quality. By magnifying them, we can simply say whether an image is raster or vector. Vector images will never lose their quality. On the other hand, raster images will look blurred and pixelated when we zoom them.
In the photo editing and printing industry, we frequently use several types of raster and vector images. Let’s go for a detailed discussion on raster and vector images.
What is A Raster Image?
Traditionally, we call them bitmaps, and they are composed of individual pixels of color. Each pixel contributes to the entire color of the image. Raster images are composed of several types of dots. The colored dots will make a vivid and colorful print.
Raster images can be used to create complex, multi-colored visuals and various color gradients. In real life, digital cameras will create raster images for us.
In reality, there are three different types of raster files. They are JPG, PNG, and GIF. Each of them has their characteristics to show the audience.
Raster images are excellent examples of creating some digital paintings like GIMP software, and Photoshop. Qualities can be described by PPI (pixel per inch). For example, it could be 3000 pixels wide and 1500 pixels high.
Now the conclusion is that the greater the ppi and dimensional measurements, the higher the image quality.
For instance, you are trying to print a brochure. Now if the interior is (9.5’* 3.5”). The background image should be 912 pixels by 336 pixels. Anything lower than that will not be accepted at all.
What is A Vector Image?
From the above paragraph, we have seen that raster images are composed of pixels to display an image, whereas vector images use paths to describe. It will tell you the story of how it is shaped and filled with colors.
Vector images will retain their sizes instead of sizes. You can simply scale it infinitely. Vector images are frequently used for logos and some creative brands. They will provide you with the highest quality output.
When Should We Use Raster or Vector Images?
Raster images are good for photos, while we use vector images for logos. Vector images can be used as illustrations, etchings, or engravings. In the production house, it can be used for embroidery, artwork, or signage purposes. When we go for any drawing or painting project, we suggest you use a raster image.
Raster vs Vector | Key Differences
There are quite a few projects where we have seen raster and vector images together. It could be a brochure, corporate logo, infographic, etc. When we set up a brochure like a business logo (it can be a vector image) with a customer (a raster image), all of them combined make a good brochure for marketing.
Let me give you another live example where vector and raster images are combined and eventually create a great output. It could be used to print a postcard. The illustrated background could be a vector one, while the foreground of the postcard will be a raster graphics solution for the image.
When you are working with some digital media like radio, television, business cards, etc., there is always a mix of raster and vector graphics images.
Vector images are used for lines, art, and curves. Sometimes it is used for various mathematical formulas as well. Both raster and vectorized images will provide us with a high-resolution image.
Wrapping Up | Raster vs. Vector
When we plan to go for a big project, both raster and vector images are important. In print and online media, we use them frequently. I hope you got a clear idea regarding raster vs. vector images. Choosing the best file format for your project is going to be confusing sometimes. However, you have to do it carefully. If you like to know anything more, do not hesitate to leave your comments below.
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FAQ | Raster vs Vector
Which Format Should I Use for An Artistic Image?
When you are creating a logo or any other artistic image, choose a vector format. The reason is that they will never lose quality and, eventually, you will be able to use them anywhere you would love to use them.
What is the Easiest Way to Know Whether an Image is Raster or Vector?
The simple and widely used technique is to just increase the image size. You need to just zoom them up. If it looks like the pixels are breaking up, then it will be a rater image; otherwise, it will be a vector image.
What is the Purpose of Rasterizing?
By using this process, we can simply convert a vector layer into pixels. For any commercial use, we frequently use this technique.
What Format is a Vector File?
The popular vector formats are AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), and the popular one, SVG (Scalable vector graphics).
