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Raster vs. Vector: What’s the difference and when to Use which

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Alfredo Atwater
Raster vs. Vector: What’s the difference and when to Use which

Do you understand the difference between a raster file and a vector file? Use this fast summary to differentiate the options of each file format for improved design progress.

With the many amounts of pictures to decide on from online, it will be overwhelming to see that file formats to start with. Do you use raster or vector pictures? Raster images are created of pixels, whereas vector pictures are formed by mathematical curves and paths. Being comfortable with the ins and outs of each format and the way they translate once exported is a necessary ability for each designer. Let’s start.

 

Raster pictures

If you surf the online, chances are you've got seen a raster image. Raster, or bitmap, pictures consist of small squares referred to as pixels. These pixels contain bits of color and once combined, they build pictures.  A lot of pixels in a picture the upper the standard, and vice versa. After you pore on a picture the pixels become a lot of apparent whereas the details of the image become blurry.

Notice however the sides of the tropical pattern below become pixelated and jagged once enlarged. This can be a key indicator of a raster-based image. Obvious pixels build a picture look inexpert and unpleasant. As a rule of thumb, it's best to only downsize a formation image to avoid heavy pixelation.

 

When to Use raster pictures

Raster pictures are utilized in photography and digital applications. After you take an image with a phone or a camera the image is recorded as pixel information, and once these pictures are uploaded online the top result's a raster image.

 

Vector pictures

Vectors use a different approach to image renderings. They're made of ways and curves set by mathematical formulas. These ways and curves are made completely through style software designed for vectors, like Adobe Illustrator or Sketch. Thanks to their recursive makeup, vectors are infinitely scalable and stay swish and crisp even once sized up to large dimensions.

Even when scaled to substantial proportions, this pattern below remains clean and exact. Parts like fonts render constant way: when sized up or down, they keep their quality.

 

When to Use Vector pictures

Programs like Adobe Illustrator or Sketch are best used to produce and manipulate vector pictures. Avoid raster-based programs like Adobe Photoshop once incorporating vector parts that require to be scaled.

Vectors’ scalability makes them ideal for style work consisting of logos and icons. Each logos and icons need immense details and lots of size choices, typically depending on their app

SpeedySep specializes in hand-drawn vector logo design. SpeedySep helps screen printers with custom t-shirt design and color separations.

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