Raster Images vs Vector Images: An Explanation

[Boss Hog]

There are 2 different types of images used by graphic design programs, raster images and vector images.


RASTER:
A raster image is made up of thousands of little dots/pixels, photo editors such as Adobe Photoshop are raster based and are great for rendering rich, full colour images like photographs. Raster based programs do have some drawbacks though:

> Imagine a square 1 inch x 1 inch, if this square has been created at 300dpi then this will have 300 dots/pixels within it. The computer must keep track of all the zeros and ones that make up those 300 dots/pixels, this can result in large file sizes which can be memory intensive when editing, the spec of your PC/MAC will determine if this causes you problems or not.

> Raster images do not resize well, when you resize a low resolution raster image the pixels just get larger making the image appear distorted and blurry. One solution to this is to ensure the image is created at high resolution, an image at a minimum of 300dpi will resize quite well and keep fairly good clarity, however, it will only enlarge so much.

VECTOR:
Vector based programs such as Adobe Illustrator approach image creation in an entirely different way and do not render images on a pixel by pixel basis. Using the same example as above the 1 inch x 1 inch square would only be made up of 4 dots/pixels, one on each corner. These “vector points” allow the computer to play connect the dots, each vector point has information telling the computer how to connect each point with straight or curved lines, and what colour the inner space should be.

Because the computer only has to keep four points in its memory, it is much easier for the computer to edit vector based images as file sizes are really small. If you resize a vector based image it loses little or no detail, the vector points spread out and the computer just redraws the image. Vector images are ideal for logos as they can be resized and adjusted without losing clarity, so when looking for a logo designer ensure the final files produced are vector based.

[r_emma69@hotmail.com]

Thanks for that useful info, much appreciated. I knew the basics but that extra bit of knowledge will help when trying to explain the difference to clients.

Thank you!

[TheNoone]

This is definitely something worth knowing, Thanks Hog!

[AuntieP]

Good, straightforward explanation. Thanks. :)

[theGicleeService]

As an experienced artworker I thought it may be worth mentioning that vector files can have a threshold of complexity for usable file sizes.

An extremely complicated .ai file can easily be over a 200mb in size, and will have issues printing properly as it can kill the RIP.

It can also make working in InDesign quite slow and running out to a laser.

.ai and .eps files can get this big when there are a lot of paths, blends and gradients being used.

When vector files get over 100mb or so I tend to rasterize the vector file in Photoshop to the required print size and drop the new bitmap in place of the vector file.

Hope that helps.

[dogsbody]

Lets not forget that there are smart arses out there who like to embed huge raster files in their vector files and not mention the fact to the poor mug who has to print it.

[Web Design Hertfordshire]

Finally a nice simple explanation of the 2 very different image types. Both of these image types have their benefits. We do love a nice vector.

[HudsonDisplayServices]

Great summary - it's always alarming to find designers who aren't clear on this difference. Here is a more detailed discussion of vector and raster - that discusses the different file types, and what each could be used for effectively. File Formats - Vector and Bitmap | Hudson

I hope that proves useful for someone.

Regards,
Craig