Tag Archives: Raster images

Raster Vs Vector Images: Which to Use?

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

It’s Time to Move From Raster to Vector Images

Posted on

Wondering why you need to do away with your raster images and move towards vector images? Read on to find out more about raster to vector conversion.

If you are from the manufacturing or mechanical engineering industry, you will be in constant need of complex, yet accurate drawings. Though raster images were popular in the past, they are resolution dependent and do not yield very accurate results. If you have been still using raster images, it is time to move towards vector images, as a vector image can yield more accurate drawings and images.

With raster to vector conversion, you can quickly and effortlessly convert uneditable paper drawings into accurate vector files that can be edited in the CAD software of your choice. The converted files can be saved in any vector format (WMF, EMF, EPS DXF, or AI). Once your file is converted into vector, it can be effortlessly read by any CAD program like AutoCAD, Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, Microstation, VectorWorks, TrueCAD or FastCAD. In fact, raster to vector conversion is a direct replacement for traditional tracing and digitizing which could be less accurate and more time consuming.

Why use vector images in CAD programs?

CAD programs can import and display raster files, but you will only be able to look at the file or trace it. You will be unable change or edit it. This happens because CAD programs can only work with vector files. If you wish to edit a raster file in your CAD program, you will first need to convert it into a vector file through raster to vector conversion. Once the file is converted into a vector file, you will be able to import it into a CAD program and edit it easily like any other drawing you have created in your CAD program.

How is a file converted from raster to vector?

  • A paper drawing is scanned by using a scanner and a raster file is created
  • The file is converted from raster to vector through raster to vector conversion
  • The vector file is imported into the CAD program
  • You can easily edit your vector drawing in your CAD program

Continue reading →