RASTER GRAPHICS AND VECTOR GRAPHICS

The difference of vector and raster images

RASTER IMAGE                       VECTOR IMAGE

Vector images are made up of basic geometric shapes such as points, lines and curves. The relationship of the shapes is expressed as a mathematical equation which allows the image to scale up or down in size without losing quality. Logo designs and print work such as brochures and posters should be designed as vector images using vector drawing software like Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw or Inkscape.

VECTOR  IMAGE

Raster images are made up of a set grid of dots called pixels where each pixel is assigned a color value. Unlike a vector image, raster images are resolution dependent. When you change the size of a raster image, you shrink or stretch the pixels themselves which can result in a significant loss of clarity and very blurry image. Raster editors such as Photoshop or GIMP are great for photographs as well as for adding effects, shadows and textures to designs.

RASTER  IMAGE

What does this mean for you as a designer on 99designs… use the right software to create the right image for the the job!

Use Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkscape or an equivalent to create Vector Images for:

• Logo Designs
• Illustrations
• Brochures
• Posters
• T-shirts
• or anything to be printed

Use Adobe Photoshop, GIMP or an equivalent to create Raster Images for:

• Web Design
• Editing Photographs