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Advantage of Vector Image Over Raster Image

The two categories that digital images fall into are raster and vector. Most people are often confused about the differences between these two digital images. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages in different situations. In this article, we will give a detailed explanation of their differences, and the advantages that vector images have over raster images.

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What are Vector Images?

Vectors images are created based on mathematical formulas that define geometric primitives such as points and lines. They can be edited without any loss of quality since mathematical formulas define how they are rendered.

These images are used vastly in graphics design for creating logos and graphics. Except for  SVG format, vector images must be rasterized before they can be used on the web.

What are Raster Images?

Raster graphics are bitmaps– a grid of individual pixels that collectively form an image. You can create a complex image with any kind of color changes and variations because every pixel in a raster image can be a different color.

If a raster image is scaled up without a change of resolution, it will lose quality and look blurred.  They appear very large, especially when in high resolution. Use raster images for complex images like photographs.

Differences Between Raster and Vector Images

  • Vector images usually require lesser disk space than a raster image.
  • Unlike a raster image, you can scale a vector image up and down without loss of quality. This means that you can have a comprehensive image without quality loss.
  • Raster pictures are made out of pixels, while vector pictures are made out of paths.
  • File extensions for raster images are .BMP, .TIF, .GIF, and .JPG while file extensions for vector images are .SVG, .EPS, .PDF, .AI, .AXF.

Advantages of Vector Image Over Raster Image

  • Since there is no pixel information in vector images, the size can remain small even when they are scaled very large.
  • Individual elements can be modified without altering other objects in the image.
  • One major advantage of vector images over raster images is that the former have infinite resolutions as they do not lose their quality even when zoomed infinitely.
  • Vector images are easily manipulated and reusable, unlike raster images.
  • An amazing advantage of vector images is their versatility. With vector editing software, you can also create text and even pixel images.
  • They produce images that look very realistic and precise.
  • With vector graphics, you can animate objects.
  • Vector images offer your precise paths.
  • They have smoother lines when compared to raster graphics.
  • In creating a vector image, you get instructions on where to place its components.
  • With vector images, the number of colors can be reduced or increased for printing.
  • Vector pictures can undoubtedly be changed over completely to raster pictures.

Conclusion

Historically, vector images are one of the first methods for generating computer graphics. Their important features such as resolution, scalability, versatility, file size, and many others make them ideal for best image format for printing.

Schedule an appointment to convert the bitmap file to a vector file.

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These images are used vastly in graphics design for creating logos and graphics. Except for  SVG format, vector images must be rasterized before they can be used on the web.

The two categories that digital images fall into are raster and vector. Most people are often confused about the differences between these two digital images. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages in different situations. In this article, we will give a detailed explanation of their differences, and the advantages that vector images have over raster images.

 

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