Raster Vs. Vector
Computer as a tool
Nicholas O. Williams
Raster Images vs. Vector Images
Assignment: Discuss the differences, advantages and disadvantages.
There are two major types of images used by graphic design programs, they are called
Vector and Raster images. This paper will seek to highlight the many differences, advantages and disadvantages respectively.
Raster images are complex renderings made up of thousands of little dots or pixels. The word raster has its origin in Latin which means ‘rake’ and has come to refer to a rectangular pixilated grid. Photograph editors like Adobe
Photoshop, Corel Photo-Paint, Corel Paint Shop Pro and
The GIMP are great to manipulate each pixel. Many will argue that this type of graphic deals more practically for photo-realistic images. Raster graphics depend highly on resolution when resized noticeable amounts of quality will be removed from the image.
One solution to this is to ensure the image is created at high resolution. An image at a minimum of 300dpi will resize quite well and keep fairly good clarity however this trait allows it to contrast with the capabilities of Vector graphics. A vector image is one that is constructed by paths, each containing a mathematical formula which instructs the path to assume a certain form and what colours to emit. Vector graphics are mainly used for typeset or graphic design as they will lose only little to no detail after the resizing is through. Vector based programs such as
Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Xara Xtreme and Serif Draw Plus renders the approach to image creation in a different manner, meaning no pixel to pixel basis. They are generally filled with a solid color or a gradient.
Upon completion of my research I recognized that there are many major positives and negatives that have developed from using both these file types. These include the overall size of the finished file. Vector images are most time smaller more transportable through the use of
Nicholas O. Williams
Raster Images vs. Vector Images
Assignment: Discuss the differences, advantages and disadvantages.
There are two major types of images used by graphic design programs, they are called
Vector and Raster images. This paper will seek to highlight the many differences, advantages and disadvantages respectively.
Raster images are complex renderings made up of thousands of little dots or pixels. The word raster has its origin in Latin which means ‘rake’ and has come to refer to a rectangular pixilated grid. Photograph editors like Adobe
Photoshop, Corel Photo-Paint, Corel Paint Shop Pro and
The GIMP are great to manipulate each pixel. Many will argue that this type of graphic deals more practically for photo-realistic images. Raster graphics depend highly on resolution when resized noticeable amounts of quality will be removed from the image.
One solution to this is to ensure the image is created at high resolution. An image at a minimum of 300dpi will resize quite well and keep fairly good clarity however this trait allows it to contrast with the capabilities of Vector graphics. A vector image is one that is constructed by paths, each containing a mathematical formula which instructs the path to assume a certain form and what colours to emit. Vector graphics are mainly used for typeset or graphic design as they will lose only little to no detail after the resizing is through. Vector based programs such as
Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Xara Xtreme and Serif Draw Plus renders the approach to image creation in a different manner, meaning no pixel to pixel basis. They are generally filled with a solid color or a gradient.
Upon completion of my research I recognized that there are many major positives and negatives that have developed from using both these file types. These include the overall size of the finished file. Vector images are most time smaller more transportable through the use of