The global market size for graphic design is about $41.8 billion with about $13.3 billion in the U.S. – and predictions say that the graphic design industry will continue to grow.
Good graphic design helps companies thrive by gaining high visibility with customers and prospects, which leads to an increase in sales. How do you visually communicate with customers?
Graphic designers often use raster images and vector graphics. What are the differences between the two? It is easy to tell the difference, and here is why.
What Are Raster Images?
This is a common term for digital photography and computers. It can also be referred to as a bitmap image.
The image represents a rectangular grid of pixels. We view them using a bitmap image. This makes it easy to make an image that is smaller.
If you are looking to increase or decrease the resolution and size of an image with raster images, it can be rather tricky.
What Are Vector Images?
This is a graphic or image that is both created and defined on a plane, with curves and connecting lines. It forms shapes with mathematical equations. With vector images, you can get an image that is more detailed and finer.
Often, a vector image is a choice for logos, illustrations, and designs that require printing on a large object. If you are looking to learn more technical illustrations check out this link https://ggsinc.com/services/technical-illustrations/.
Vector Graphics vs. Raster Images
The difference is that raster graphics have colored pixels that are arranged in an orderly fashion, whereas a vector graphic is a mathematical formula that makes up paths.
Raster images have more capability with rendering colors that are complex, soft, and vibrant. We find it with digital camera technology, which is why photographs are typically raster images. Editing raster images can work well when you are changing colors, tones, and themes.
Since a raster-based image will use bitmaps for storing data, this means that it will have a larger file size the bigger the bitmap is, and this can take up more disk space. Common raster file types include:
- PNG
- JPG
- GIF
- TIFF
- BMP
Common vector file types include:
- AI
- EPS
- SVG
There are different purposes for raster images and vector images, thus, there are different recommended file types too.
Summing It Up
Raster images are better used for photographs, while vector images are better options for logos, signage, illustrations, engravings, etc.
If you are working on a picture with complex colors, blends, and themes, like a painting in a museum, raster images are your preferred format. If you want something that scales easily and has a solid color, go with a vector format.
We Love Digital Design
Now that you know more about raster images, you can achieve more with your branding, graphic design, and artwork. Convey your message like never before!
If you are looking for more brilliant advice in business, technology, digital marketing, and more, we have plenty of content. Learn how to grow your business and career right now. Keep clicking and check us out.
