Raster vs Vector Graphics: Differences, Similarities and Best Uses

You must have access to vector-based programs in order to edit the native files. They’re made of paths and curves dictated by mathematical formulas. 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.

In Raster images the resolution is made up of thousands of square pixels, pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Their size is always fixed so if you expand a Raster image it will become blurry. If you want to preserve the quality of a Raster image you can only scale down the image. A source of high-quality vector graphics offering a huge variety of premade character designs, graphic design bundles, Adobe Character Animator puppets, and more.

Raster vs. Vector Files: Key Differences and When To Use Them

But they are suitable for projects involving different software and for printing or designing digital images for the web. While raster images have incredibly flexible usage, there are instances where it’s smarter to use vector images. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between the two, especially if you’re someone who deals with digital images often.

Ever notice that as you zoom into an image, the quality gets lower? They are usually in the formats JPG (lossy), GIF (lossless), PNG (my favorite; lossless), and many others. You should use Raster graphics for designing true-to-life graphics like shades, shadows, and gradients. If you require complex colors and flawless color blending like a painting, choose Raster graphics.

Is high resolution a raster or vector image?

When you zoom in on an image, the pixels become more apparent while the details of the image become blurry. Raster graphics are best used when it’s important to show the smooth transition of shades and colors—for example, in photos. Raster graphics are also excellent for catalogs, flyers, postcards, stationery, and other everyday projects. 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). Raster images have large file size defined by DPI or PPI with fixed height and width. To transfer Raster files, it’s a good idea to compress them first.

However, today we’ll banish confusion forever as we explain the difference between vector graphics and raster graphics in a way that’s easy to understand. 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.

Vector vs raster: how they’re different and which is better for photos, logos, and more

Apart from offering flexibility in terms of scalability, vector graphics also provide ease in duplication. This makes them perfect for businesses looking to create material such as logos, brochures, merchandise, and so on. 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.

If ease of editing, small file size, or typography is more important, then a vector image might be the preferred format. 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.

Raster vs. Vector: Key Differences and Best Uses Explained

See how the edges become pixelated (losing image quality) and jagged when magnified? As a rule of thumb, it’s best to only downsize raster and vector graphics a raster image to avoid heavy pixelation. Finally, remember that you can always turn a vector graphic into a raster file with ease.

(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). 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. The file’s design software determines the difference between raster files and vectors. Typical vector programs include Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkscape, and Corel PhotoShop. To store the data in a file, the two-dimensional array must be serialized.

Raster vs Vector Graphics: Differences, Similarities and Best Uses

Unlike raster graphics, vector files are smaller and best for logos, type, and geometric design. When you take a picture with a phone or camera, the image is recorded as pixel data. When these images are uploaded online, the end result is a raster image. To edit these images, you need access to raster-based programs like Adobe Photoshop or Shutterstock Editor. For design work, it’s best to use these programs for photography and imagery only. Meanwhile, vector images are in the format of SVG, and some others.

Raster images use pixels like tiny squares to form the image, making them good for photos but blurry when enlarged. Vector images use mathematical formula to define shapes, allowing them to scale infinitely without losing quality. So, raster for photos and details, vector for logos, and clean graphics. The main difference between raster and vector images is how they store information. Vector images use more mathematical equations and formulas to define shapes, allowing them to scale infinitely without losing quality. For photos you need raster images and Adobe Photoshop; for letterhead, text, logos, and other simple graphic elements, you need vector images and Adobe Illustrator.

Iveta is a passionate writer at GraphicMama who has been writing for the brand ever since the blog was launched. She keeps her focus on inspiring people and giving insight on topics like graphic design, illustrations, education, business, marketing, and more. Digital image creation is always quite different for the two types.

• Resolution applies to both raster and vector images, but it works differently.
• The larger the image, the more disk space the image file will take up.
• The file’s design software determines the difference between raster files and vectors.
• Vector images represent mathematical calculations involving a point or place that form outlines or shapes(maintain quality.).
• The main difference between raster and vector files is how they store information.