The difference between vector and raster graphics is that raster graphics are co

mposed of pixels, while vector graphics are composed of paths. A raster graphic,
such as a gif or jpeg, is an array of pixels of various colors, which together
form an image. A vector graphic, such as an .eps file or Adobe Illustrator? file
, is composed of paths, or lines, that are either straight or curved. The data f
ile for a vector image contains the points where the paths start and end, how mu
ch the paths curve, and the colors that either border or fill the paths. Because
vector graphics are not made of pixels, the images can be scaled to be very lar
ge without losing quality. Raster graphics, on the other hand, become "blocky,"
since each pixel increases in size as the image is made larger. This is why logo
s and other designs are typically created in vector format -- the quality will l
ook the same on a business card as it will on a billboard.

Raster VS Vector
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What is the difference between raster and vector image formats?

Basic Definitions
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Bitmap (or raster) graphics are stored as a series of tiny dots called pixels. E
ach pixel is assigned a color, and when they are viewed together, they form a pi
cture.

Vector graphics are not based on pixel patterns, but instead use mathematical fo
rmulas consisting of lines and curves that make shapes. With the exception of Fl
ash (vector graphics program) most browsers do not support vector graphics on th
e web.

In Depth Definition
A computer screen generally displays 72 pixels per inch and most printersp work
with 600-2400 pixels per inch. The terms ppi, pixels/inch, dpi, dots/inch and sp
i, samples/inch all are different terms for describing how the grid is laid out
which defines an imageps resolution. The only difference between the terms is th
e devices being used. Scanners and monitors generally use PPI or spi. Output dev
ices use dpi or lpi. Lpi is lines per inch.

Drawing programs like Freehand and Illustrator are vector based programs. They u
se math to describe the shapes that make up an image. The advantage of using mat
h to describe a shape lies in its flexibility. It doesn't have a set resolution,
i.e. it is =scalable=. An image displays and prints at the highest resolution t
hat the output device supports. This is very different from raster images, which
have a fixed resolution. Fonts (text) are usually vector based.

The way each format handles resolution is very important. In Photoshop to achiev
e the highest quality you need to work at the correct resolution from the beginn
ing. Each time you resize or alter the resolution the quality suffers.

As you can see a raster based image at 72 dpi has fairly jagged edges. When incr
easing the size to 200% the resolution drops to 36 dpi and it is really jagged.
On the other hand a vector based image looks much less jagged since the curves a
re defined mathematically and resizing the image has no effect on quality.

Raster based image at 100%

Raster based image at 200%

Vector based image at 100%

Vector based image at 200%

Common uses for raster image formats

1. Digital Photographs

Common uses for vector image formats

1. Logos, which are generally a few solid colors and need to be shown at a varie
ty of sizes
2. Text

Vector image formats advantages

1. Resolution independent
2. Smooth curves
3. Small file sizes for computer drawn artwork (vector art and type)

Raster image formats advantages

1. Photographs usually look more accurate as raster images. The gradients are s
moother and it maintains the subtle details within the photograph.

2. Photographs are almost always smaller as raster images than vector images.