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IMAGERY

Vector vs. Raster

To the DEATH.

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File Types:

Raster

Vector

Pixels
Fixed Resolution
Good for:

Photos

So, my first question to you is:

Name the two main types of images that can be created

Hint, I just told you

Vector and Raster!

Now, each file type has different qualities

and thus each file type works best for different situations

RASTER

So, first, what makes up raster-based imagery?

Made up of pixels

Raster means grid or screen, depending on what language you translate it

A grid of dots

Raster images have what is referred to as

Fixed resolution

Meaning what?

Can be shrunk, but not enlarged without causing quality decrease

And, when a raster image is built, it is limited to the pixels that exist

What are raster files good for?

Just about everything, but especially elements that utilize continuous tones

Like photos

So, before we work with Vector

I want to show some examples of what I mean

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Raster

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Pixels

anti-aliasing

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Fixed Resolution

72ppi

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Fixed Resolution

150ppi

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Fixed Resolution

300ppi

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Fixed Resolution

600ppi

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Fixed Resolution

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File Types:

Raster

Vector

Pixels
Fixed Resolution
Good for:

Photos

Mathematic Formulae
Resolution Independent
Good for:

Things that scale
Machined items
Line art

So, that brings us to vector imagery

and when we compare it to raster imagery

we can see a couple major differences

that affect not only how the images are made

but also what they can do

VECTOR

Made of maths

Terms such as object-based, paths

how many of you have taken a math class where you’ve had to plot points on a graph?

well, this is basically the same thing

like for example, who can tell me what the equation is for finding the area of a circle? (or pythagorian theorem)

what if the circle is really tiny? – what’s the equation

what if the circle is huge? – what’s the equation?

exactly, it’s always the same

So, because of this, vector images are

Resolution independent

Meaning what?

Can be shrunk or enlarged with no loss of quality

Because of this, what are vectors used for?

Actually a ton

Logos, text, CAD, machine-aided cutting such as vinyl or CNC, anything that can be simplified into line art or single color artwork

Pretty awesome, huh?

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Vector

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Maths

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Resolution Independent

144%

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Resolution Independent

400%

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Resolution Independent

800%

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Resolution Independent

1600%

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Resolution Independent