Raster images are made up of several pixels, while vector images are made up of paths, created by a mathematical formula. Find out the primary difference between the two in this interesting blog post on raster and vector images.
Many designers, engineers, builders and architects want to know the difference between raster and vector? The answers you get may be as confusing as the names raster and vector. It is time to put a stop to the myths and misinformation and present you with the real difference between a raster and a vector image.
Understanding raster and vector images
A raster image is made up with pixels, each having a different color and arranged to display an image. On the other hand, a vector image is made up of paths, each with a mathematical formula that tells the path how it is to be shaped and what color it should be bordered or filled with. One key difference between the two is that a raster image will be unable to retain its appearance, once it size increases. However, vector images can retain their appearances, regardless of the size, since formulas are being used to specify how the image is to be rendered.
The pros and cons of raster and vector images
Raster images can display a range of colors in a single image and also accommodate color editing. Finer nuances in shading and light can be displayed at the right resolution. Vector images are scalable and can be easily resized for any size, be it a business card or a billboard. Raster images lack this quality and cannot be made larger, as the image would suffer. Vector images cannot display the natural qualities of photographs, like raster images.
Raster images are often large files, while vector graphics are lightweight images. While vector images are best for electronic formats, raster images can be easily used for both web and print. A raster image can blur, when blown up, while a vector image can maintain the highest resolution offered by the output device.
When to use a raster or vector image?
Raster images are mainly used for photographs, while vector images are used for other purposes, like letterheads, logos and other such graphic elements. While Adobe Photoshop is a raster editing program, Adobe Illustrator is used to create vector images.
If you want to draw something from scratch, only with limited colors, you can create a vector graphic. If you wish to edit an image with multiple colors, you can choose raster. For several projects, you may require both vector and raster images. For instance, if you are designing a brochure, you would have to use a raster image of happy customers, while your business logo would be a vector image.
Raster to vector conversion
For complex and demanding drawings that require accuracy, it is better to use vector images, as raster images are not very accurate and are dependent on resolutions. With vector images, you will not face such problems. At Outsource2india, we can assist you in the conversion of images from raster to vector, by using the very latest in CAD software. Read more about raster to vector conversion services.
Did this blog entry help you understand the difference between raster and vector images? Would you like to know more about how outsourcing works? If yes, please do leave us a comment in the box below. We, at Outsource2india love to hear from you!
Interested to know more?
- It’s Time to Move From Raster to Vector Images
- Solve Engineering Tight Spots with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Editor
Latest posts by Editor (see all)
- Top 4 Types of Forensic Accounting Services - December 10, 2021
- What is Better, Jackson Hewitt or H&R Block? - December 3, 2021
- The Future of Digital Marketing: What’s New in 2022? - November 19, 2021
I am grateful that you shared or posted this article. It helped me to decide to choose between vector or raster images, I really learned a lot.