Design or pictures are created based on two sorts of ways; vector and raster design. So, in both cases, we create fantastic designs, but they are very different from each other. The main difference between graphics and images is that raster is based on pixels. You might not be able to differentiate between the two at first glance, but they are fundamentally distinct.

Find out more about vector and raster graphics in the links below.

Useful Quick Links

• What is a raster image or graphics?
• What is a vector image or graphics?
• Difference between: vector and raster graphics

What is a raster image or graphics?

Before we begin about what is raster images or graphics, we need to understand the basic terms about pixels and the bitmap:

Pixel: A pixel is a dotted picture element of a physical point in a picture. It holds the most minor details of the picture and stores tiny dots with colour information. When we sweep or photograph a subject for our works, we create raster images formed from pixels containing a piece of an individual colour. These dots come together to create the image.

When you zoom in on the image, you can see the individual pixels, which make the images blurry or jagged. With the help of raster graphics, you can convey complex, multi-layered visuals, including subtle shades and angles.

Bitmap: Bitmap display space and the colour for each pixel or bit in the display space. JPEG is an example of a graphic image file type which contains bit maps. A bit map does not need to contain a bit of colour information for each pixel on every row.

Examples of bitmap graphic formats include GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, XBM, BMP and so on. In computer monitors is also a bitmap, and the outputs of printers and scanners scanned images are also a bitmap.

What for Raster Pictures Utilize?

Raster is ideal for photo editing, creating digital paintings in programs like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP, and optimizing images for web or print. Most of the pictures we see on our computer screens are raster images. “Taking a photo on our smartphone is another example of a raster image”.

Those sorts of pictures are commonly utilized for web illustrations and are by and large accessible in a more available and shareable organize. Since they are made with pixels, rasters are moreover way better suited to show colour mixes. Rasters can too be utilized for printing ventures, but they must meet a 300 DPI (dots per inch) determination for printing. If you zoom in, you will see the pixelation appearing and the image looks blurry.

What is a vector image or graphics?

Vector designs are made by focuses, lines, bends and shapes which are based on mathematical formulas. When we scale up or down a vector file, it isn’t a low resolution and there’s no loss of quality, so it can be sized whether you prefer large or small. You’ll adjust individual elements without influencing another object of the picture. When you zoom in on the vector image, you can see whether the individual elements are sharp or not pixelated.

When we plan something for large scales like flex, pennant, vehicle wraps and other designs. Those vector graphics are the most excellent choice for identity work as logos, illustrations, posters, and major promotion advertisements.

Difference between: vector and raster graphics

Raster pictures are made up of pixels, making their resolution depend on pixels. But vector illustrations are rendered by a computer using a mathematical formula. The biggest distinction between vector and raster design is that raster illustrations are composed of pixels, whereas vector designs are composed of ways. A raster graphic, such as a gif or jpeg, is an array of pixels of various colours, which together form an image.

Raster Graphics:

• It is pixel-based graphics.
• The position and colour information about the image is stored in pixels arranged in a grid pattern.
• The image size is determined based on image resolution.
• These images cannot be scaled easily.
• Raster or Bitmap images are used to represent photorealistic images which involve complex colour variations.

Vector Graphics:

• The images in vector graphics are mathematically-based.
• Vector-based images have smooth edges and are therefore used to create curves and shapes.
• These images are appropriate for precise illustrations but not good for photorealistic images.
• These images are easily scalable due to their mathematical structure.

Understanding the difference between raster and vector will ensure you choose the right software program and image type, regardless of the type of digital art you create. Using the right image type also ensures that no matter how your image or artwork is used, it does not lose quality.

How to create a raster image

To create a raster image, create a drawing directly in a raster-based program such as Procreate, or scan artwork or a photograph and upload it to a program such as Photoshop.

Converting vectors to raster is also possible and usually fairly straightforward. Vector-based programs simply export vector images as raster file formats. JPEG or PNG. This operation converts and saves the image as a raster.

How to Create Vector Images

To create vector images, use a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. Once you’ve created your image, you can export it directly as a vector file type.

It is also possible to convert raster images to vectors. Try using a vector software program to manually trace and vectorize your image, or use an online automatic vectorization program such as Vector Magic or Vectorizer.

Raster files are used to edit images, photos, and graphics. However, vector files are best suited for digital illustrations, complex graphics, and logos. Therefore, resizing does not change the vector resolution, making it suitable for many different print formats.

In summary, raster graphics and vector graphics are different from each other. Vector graphics are digital art rendered by computers using mathematical formulas. Raster images are made up of small pixels, so they are resolution dependent and are ideal for creating photographs. Both types of graphics are created for different purposes.