Raster Vs Vector - Purpose, Difference, And Conversion
In the world of graphics designing, we typically deal with two important types of image files. One type is called Raster, which is what you’re seeing right now in this image above. We see this version of image files pretty much everywhere. Then there’s another type called Vector. This type is used by specialists – the graphics designers, illustrators, or any person who’s an expert in working with graphical images.
What is Raster?
Raster graphics is a massive combination of pixels; those tiny boxes that make rather bigger images. Each images can contain a few thousand to a billion pixels – the bigger the better.
Every picture you take from your camera is a raster graphic. The wallpaper applied on your phone or a personal computer is a raster. If you have a copy of your ID card or passport scanned, this is also a raster copy. Your pet’s photo that got 10 likes on Facebook; that too is a raster file. This is the most common type and can be used for logo digitizing.
As you zoom a raster image in, you will notice that the zoom reaches an end point when multi-color boxes begin to appear. This is a limitation when using raster images in any kind of graphic designing work. When the image is scaled up in size, it appears grainy and blur. This happens because raster is a “final copy” of a graphical output. Any editing to raster images is possible, but you cannot rule out the possibility of the image quality being compromised.
Typical formats of raster files are .PNG, .JPEG/JPEG, .GIF, and .BMP, etc.
What is vector?
Vector images are an array of elements such as paths, points, lines, and curves. Vector is used when creating a design right from scratch. Using vectors requires having a specialized ability to illustrate a design that maybe simple as a straight arrow, or complex as an anime artwork.
You don’t see vector images too often is because this version is applicable with only certain software programs, such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, etc. and also because only designers work with it.
The output of vector files is crystal clear. No matter how much you zoom in, at the endpoint, you will never see any object getting pixelated. This is why designers prefer working with vector files, because the results, especially in print, are of exquisite quality.
Comparing Both Options
Raster images are found almost everywhere, while vector is used by the specialists. As we mentioned raster is a “final copy”, vector, in contrast, is something that you begin drawing on a blank canvas. Vector files are typically large sized compared to raster files. For e.g., a vector file with size around 25 megabytes may have an equal quality of raster file being 800 kilobytes
When should you convert to Vector files?
If you have a design that looks terribly ugly because it is too pixelated and particularly when you have to get it printed or add to a presentation, it is advised that you better have it converted to vector design. This process is called “vectorization” and is typically performed by a skilful graphics designer. You can
While raster is virtually omnipotent, it is the vector that produces the best results when it comes to overall print output. Because there is no risk of quality being comprised owing to the outstanding quality of vector files that never get pixelated regardless of how much you zoom. Also, the elements of vector files, such as lines, points, etc. are meant for editing purposes. Any modification made to the file will result in a smooth output.
At Power Digitizing, we can handle any pixelated raster image and convert it to stunning a vector art as we have been providing leading vector conversion services for more than a decade at best prices.
Contact us if you need more information about what we offer in raster to vector services that result in high quality designs that embellish your brand and add shine to your advertisement.