If you see the vector editing nodes, you’ve confirmed that it’s a vector graphic. This table compares some of the differences, advantage (pros), and disadvantages (cons) between raster and vector images. We’ve covered the key differences, advantages, and disadvantages between raster and vector graphics in their respective explanations; now, let’s break them down for comparison purposes.
Vector images are scalable, so that the same image can be designed once and resized infinitely for any size application – from business card to billboard. Though raster images can’t be scaled up, they can be scaled down; which is typically the case for web images, often saved in raster and vector graphics difference smaller sizes and at resolutions of either 72ppi or 96ppi. Raster images might be compared to pointillist paintings, which are composed with a series of individually-colored dots of paint. Each paint dot in a pointillist painting might represent a single pixel in a raster image.
Data management
Adobe Illustrator (and most vector programs) does provide automated tools for image tracing, though the results can be somewhat random. A raster image is any digital graphic that is made out of pixels arranged on a static grid. A pixel is a square of solid color made from the combination of red, green and blue light (also known as subpixels).
There can be more compatibility issues when using vector images as opposed to rasters. You’ll need to use software programs that are specifically intended to create or edit vectors, such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. It’s not uncommon to have both raster images and vector images in the same project, too. This is especially common with brochures, catalogs, and other print projects that combine illustrations and type with photographs. On the other hand, vector images are made of equations translated into code and so they take up far less space.
Artificial Intelligence
Rasters often look pixelated because each pixel has its own value or class. Basically, you’re connecting the dots in a set order and it becomes a vector line with each dot representing a vertex. Vector graphics are graphics in which the image is represented in a mathematical fashion. https://deveducation.com/ What this allows one to do is to zoom in an image to infinite precision. They are ideal for situations in which an image might be used at various resolutions and dimensions. Common vector creation and editing programs include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and InkScape.
No matter how far you zoom in on a vector image, you will always see smooth lines. If you don’t have access to Adobe Illustrator and need a raster image converted over to vector, have no fear! There are several online converters at your disposal that’ll make the process as seamless as dragging and dropping an image. Knowing how to best optimize the quality of your graphic, while keeping its file size low, is a crucial skill for every creative. Raster images are used in many situations, but they’re not the best for every instance. Learning to know when to use raster and when to use vector in specific applications is essential for every creative.
File Size
Those photos taken with a 20-megapixel camera will take up more space on a memory card or hard drive than photos taken with an 8-megapixel camera. Likewise, very large files can also decrease the speed and responsiveness of your computer when you are editing them, depending on the specs and capability of the computer. As a visual communicator, it is your job to put together the best, most professional products to deliver the right message to the right audience. Understanding different file formats and mediums is essential to help you communicate effectively. Raster images and vector graphics have different purposes in design, and it is essential for you to understand when and where to use them for the right purpose. Technically, they are both raster images now, but for demonstrative purposes, the native file of the one on the left was a raster JPG and the one on the right was a vector EPS.
Vectors are the appropriate choice in many situations, including logos, icons, illustrations, and more. Aside from providing the ability to scale up in size without losing quality, vectors also provide more flexibility. You can design an image in vector format and later save it as a raster image file if needed.
Therefore, the more pixels they contain, the higher the image’s resolution. Vector images are scalable, so one version of a design will always work for every iteration of a project. However, vector images cannot display photographs in a natural looking way, and vector formats are not as well supported online as are raster formats.
- This gives businesses another reason to use them in their promotional content.
- When it comes to illustration, raster is ideal for photorealism and larger scale images due to the amount of detail possible.
- You can resize them without consequence, go back and edit their paths/anchors again if you want to, and you’ll likely save much more storage space than you would have otherwise.
- Vector files are more difficult to access and work with because they require vector-specific software, such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Affinity Designer.