What is the difference between vector and bitmap images and which is better?
Vector Graphics: Vector images (or graphics) are also called object oriented graphics. The art is constructed of points, lines, curves, shapes and are infinitely scalable with no loss of clarity. Vector graphics are made in programs such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw. Due to the fact that they are scalable, they are the preferred file type when producing your images. Typically file types are as follows: .ai, .cdr, .eps, .fs. These files can contain both vector and raster images. Raster Graphics: Images that are pixel based are called raster images, basically photos, pictures etc. Raster images have thousands of little dots of different colors to create an image. These images can be enlarged but will pixelate (become ragged, blurry, or distorted). Raster images are made in programs such as Adobe Photoshop and CorelPaint. Typically file types are as follows: .tiff, .jpg, .bmp, .gif.
A vector image is one of the two major graphic types (the other being bitmap) made up of many individual objects. vector graphics are resolution independent because they can be output to the highest quality at any scale. A bitmap (or raster) image is comprised of pixels in a grip. Bitmap images cannot be resized without losing image quality. Common bitmap-based formats are JPEG, JPG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, PICT and BMP. Vector image is the preferred format for submitting artwork however since it is not a format common tom non- designers, bitmap images at the correct resolution (see above) can be substituted.
