Vector images
- graphics that are infinitely scalable images using codes and mathematics
- or a simpler definition: digital images/graphics that you can make any size, big or small, and won’t lose any detail in the image
- are made up of lines, points, and curves with color points which is what allows them to be infinitely scalable
Raster images (aka bitmap image)
- images made up of thousands of pixels arranged in a grid
- pixels are tiny squares that are made up of light and specific color combinations
- include file types like JPEG, PNG, BMP, and TIFF
- not infinitely scalable
Why is it important to know the difference?
It’s important to know the difference because both will give you different results. For example, if you have your own online business and want to start printing advertisements to get your logo and message out there and gain awareness. You download the file with the image of your logo, take the hard drive to the print shop, however your file was in raster format. When the prints come out, the image comes out blurry and little to no detail or contrast at all.
Lack of knowledge about the difference between the two can lead to scenarios like the example. It is important for any marketer to compile all marketing images/advertisements into vector format. This allows for a better, clearer, and appealing image which attracts consumers rather than a blurry pixelated raster image.
