In information and technology, an image is a visual presentation of something. An image is an object that has been created, imported and stored in a digital form. An object can store either in raster form or Vector form.
Types of object
- Raster Object
- Vector Object
Raster Object
Any object created with pixel-based programs or captured with a camera or scanner is called Raster images. Sometimes, an image stored in raster form is called bitmap. A raster image has a specific number of pixels. Jpeg, tiff, gif, png etc.
Pixel
Pixel is the smallest /basic logical unit of digital image or graphic that can be displayed and represented on a digital display device. Pixels are combined to form a complete image, video, text or any visible thing on a digital display. A pixel is also known as a picture element.
Vector Object
Vector objects are mathematical calculations from one point to another that form lines and shapes. If you zoom into a vector graphic, it will always look the same. Vector graphics can be scaled to any size without losing quality. eps
Raster Vs Vector
| Raster (Bitmap) | Vector |
| Pixel-based | Shapes based on mathematical calculations |
| Raster programs best for editing photos and creating continuous tone images with soft color blends | Vector programs best for creating logos, drawings, and illustrations, technical drawings. |
| Do not scale up optimally – Image must be created/scanned at the desired usage size or larger | Can be scaled to any size without losing quality |
| Large dimensions & detailed images equal large file size
|
Resolution-independent: Can be printed at any size/resolution, A large dimension vector graphic maintains a small file size |
| It is more difficult to print raster images using a limited amount of spot colors | Number of colors can be easily increased or reduced to adjust printing budget |
| Some processes cannot use raster formats. Depending on the complexity of the image, conversion to the vector may be time-consuming | Vector art can be used for many processes and easily rasterized to be used for all processes
Can be easily converted to raster |
| Raster images are the most common image format, including jpg, gif, png, tiff, BMP, PSD, eps, and pdf originating from raster programs | Common vector graphic file format: ai, cdr, SVG, and eps & pdfs originating from vector programs |
| Common raster programs: photo editing/paint programs such as Photoshop & Paint | Common vector programs: drawing programs such as Illustrator, CorelDraw, In-design |
Learn Graphic 