Raster graphics are of a fixed dimension, somewhat like a grid pattern with specified values at each point. These graphics are the default for things from the real world (IE, scanned images, photographs, etc). They are ideal for use when an image will only be used once, and will never need to be enlarged, or if portions are coming from a photograph or other real-world image. Headers may also include the number of rows, georeferencing parameters for geographic data, or other metadata tags, such as those specified in the Exif standard.
This material can include everything from billboards to posters and business cards. Hence, they need to make sure their illustrations are scalable and can be enlarged or reduced in size as needed. 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. Even when scaled to substantial proportions, this pattern below remains clean and exact. Elements like fonts render the same way—when sized up or down, they retain their quality.
What if I’m not sure whether my file is vector or raster?
Because of this defined, formulaic approach to drawing, each image can be sized and scaled repeatedly and limitlessly without losing resolution or beginning to look cloudy or pixelated. Detailed images raster and vector graphics difference often result in large file sizes, although file size can be managed through data compression. Compression can be either lossy (meaning that some data is discarded) or lossless (no data is lost).
- They are an alternative to using vector files when the native formats are not available.
- The most common raster file types include JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF, BMP, and PSD.
- You can take the image below as a reference to decide what will work better with your project.
- In order to share vector designs to those without vector program access, converting the vector design into a readable raster format is essential.
The most common raster file types include JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF, BMP, and PSD. Both rasters and vectors can be rendered in EPS and PDF format, where the software that created the file dictates whether it’s a raster or vector file. Generally, vector graphics are less detailed, they contain fewer gradients and less diversity of photo color.
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Due to the abundance of pixels in a raster image, the file sizes can be substantial. An illustration with higher DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch) will be larger in size and data, which can be worrisome when there are limits to image storage https://deveducation.com/ or restrictions on uploaded file sizes. The detailed nature of pixel-based graphics that makes breathtaking visuals possible is the same reason that they’re not a top choice in terms of scalability, web performance, and by extension, versatility.
The word “raster” has its origins in the Latin rastrum (a rake), which is derived from radere (to scrape). The word rastrum is now used to refer to a device for drawing musical staff lines. Sharing your vector design in a raster format rather than a vector file ensures anyone can view the attached file. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to only downsize a raster image to avoid heavy pixelation. Raster graphics are composed of a rectangular array of regularly sampled values, aka pixels. Each pixel will translate into an area of illumination on a display screen, and its color will be dictated by the color code it’s assigned.