Vector vs.

Raster
VECTOR = RESOLUTION INDEPENDENT
EPS – Encapsulated PostScript
An EPS file is essentially a PostScript program, saved as a single file that includes a low-resolution preview
“encapsulated” within it, allowing some programs to display a preview on the screen. Used for placing images or
graphics in documents created in word processing, page layout, or drawing programs. Supports both rastered and
vectored data. EPS files can be cross-platformed, cropped, or edited. EPS files are more-or-less self-contained.
PDF – Portable Document Format
Used for allowing documents to be viewed and printed independent of the application used to create them. Often
used for transferring printed pages over the Web, either for downloading existing publications or for sending
documents to commercial printers for output.
SVG – Scalable Vector Graphics
SVG is an Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based vector image format for two-dimensional graphics with
support for interactivity and animation. SVG images and their behaviors are defined in XML text files. This means
that they can be searched, indexed, scripted, and compressed. As XML files, SVG images can be created and edited
with any text editor, as well as with drawing software.

RASTER (PIXEL-BASED) = RESOLUTION DEPENDENT

TIFF – Tagged Image File Format
Used for placing images or graphics in documents created in word processing, page layout, or drawing programs.
Supports rasterized data and converts vectored images to bits. TIFF files can be cropped or edited. Similar to EPS, but
smaller file size saves memory over EPS format.
JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group
JPEG file format was designated for image compression. Because it is a “lossy” compression format, image quality is
sacrificed to conserve disk space. JPEGs are most often used for placing imagery in web-sites and online applications
where high resolution files aren’t necessary. JPEGs work best for photographs, illustrations, and other complex
imagery.
GIF – Graphics Interchange Format
A low-memory bitmap (8-bit) image format option for posting images online. GIF images are limited to 256 colors,
making them unsuitable for most print applications. Creates its own palette of up to 256 different colors chosen from
the 24-bit RGB color space. It also supports animations. Ideally suited for the limited color display range of computer
monitors. Best for images containing large, flat areas of one color and are often used for graphics such as logos and
line art. Commonly used for Web graphics with a limited color range rather than photographs.
PNG – Portable Network Graphics
PNG is a raster-graphics file format that supports lossless data compression. PNG was developed as an improved,
non-patented replacement for Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). PNG supports palette-based images (with
palettes of 24-bit RGB or 32-bit RGBA colors), grayscale images (with or without alpha channel for transparency),
and full-color non-palette-based RGB or RGBA images. Non-RGB color spaces such as CMYK are not supported.
RAW
The RAW file format is used in professional-grade camera and is the purest unaltered format available (retains the
most digital information). Sometimes referred to as a digital negative.