If you’re new to the world of digital graphics, you may have heard the terms “vector” and “raster” thrown around, but you might not be sure what they mean. Well, let’s take a moment to break it down to bits and pieces and see what it really means and how it’ll be used in real life.
Vector Graphics
Image(a), this image shows a vector circle shape created on Adobe Illustrator.
Vector graphics are digital images that are created using mathematical equations. Instead of storing pixels like raster graphics, vector graphics store lines, curves, and other shapes. This means that vector graphics can be scaled up or down without losing quality, making them ideal for logos, icons, and other graphics that need to be resized frequently.
As illustrated from the small animation above, a vector graphic of a circle scaled up or in other terms zoomed in, the edges look sharp and clean. This is basically the main characteristic of a vector graphic. Technically the equations that make up the circle will simply recalculate to create a larger circle without any loss of quality. This is why vector graphics are also called “resolution-independent” graphics.
Raster Graphics
Image(b), this shows an image exported from the same vector circle shape created on Adobe Illustrator and imported back into the Adobe Illustrator in image format.
Raster graphics, on the other hand, are digital images that are made up of pixels. Each pixel contains a color value, and when you zoom in on a raster image, you can see the individual pixels that make up the image. This means that raster images can become blurry or pixelated when they are enlarged, as the pixels become more visible.
Imagine you have a raster graphic of a photo. When you zoom in on the photo, you’ll start to see individual pixels, which can make the photo look grainy or blurry. This is why raster graphics are also called “resolution-dependent” graphics.
Which Should I Use?
Both vector and raster graphics have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one to use will depend on the specific needs of your project. As a general rule, vector graphics are best for images that need to be resized frequently, while raster graphics are best for images that need to be highly detailed.
For example, a logo would be best created as a vector graphic since it needs to be scaled to different sizes without losing quality. A photograph, on the other hand, would be best created as a raster graphic since it contains intricate details that are best captured at a specific size and resolution.
In summary, vector and raster graphics are two types of digital images that are created and stored differently. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to store shapes and lines, while raster graphics use pixels to store color values. The choice between vector and raster graphics will depend on the specific needs of your project, but understanding the differences between these two types of graphics can help you make an informed decision and create high-quality digital images that meet your needs.
