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Raster vs. Vector: What's the Difference and When to Use Which

Raster vs. Vector: What’s the Difference and When to Use Which

Learn the key differences between raster and vector files. This quick overview will help you differentiate for an improved design workflow.

With so many digital images to choose from online, it can be overwhelming to determine which file format is best for your project.

Raster images are made up of pixels. Vector images are formed by curves and paths dictated by mathematical formulas. Which one should you use?

Choosing the wrong format can result in a loss of quality—a degradation of individual pixels that lowers image resolution. That’s why it’s essential for graphic designers to be comfortable with both formats and understand how they translate when exported.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about working with raster and vector files.


Raster Images

Raster, or bitmap, images consist of tiny squares—pixels—that contain bits of color. When pixels are combined, they build images. The more pixels in an image, the higher the image quality.

When you zoom in on an image, the pixels become more apparent while the details of the image become blurry. When you are fully zoomed in, you’ll see the grid of pixels.

Look at the tropical pattern below. See how the edges become pixelated (losing image quality) and jagged when magnified? This is a key indicator of a rasterized image.

Obvious pixels make an image look unprofessional and unsightly. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to only downsize a raster image to avoid heavy pixelation.

Due to the abundance of pixels in a raster image, the file sizes can be substantial. An illustration with higher DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch) will be larger in size and data, which can be worrisome when there are limits to image storage or restrictions on uploaded file sizes.

Pro tip: You can quickly cut down file size by reducing the resolution to 72 PPI for online images.

Raster images are used in photography and digital applications. When you take a picture with a phone or camera, the image is recorded as pixel data. When these images are uploaded online, the end result is a raster image.

To edit these images, you need access to raster-based programs like Adobe Photoshop or Shutterstock Editor. For design work, it’s best to use these programs for photography and imagery only. Avoid using them to design logos and icons.

File Formats for Raster Images

Each of the following file formats displays pixels, and each has its own distinct display settings. Some files take up additional data and use higher resolutions. Others take up less storage, but tend to be lower in resolution and quality.

Here are the common raster file types:

  • TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
  • PSD (Adobe Photoshop Document)
  • PDF (Portable Document Format)
  • JPG (Joint Photographic Expert Group)
  • PNG (Portable Network Graphic)
  • GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
  • BMP (Bitmap Image File)

Vector Images

Vectors use a different approach to image rendering. They’re made of paths and curves dictated by mathematical formulas. These paths and curves are produced exclusively through software designed for vectors, like Adobe Illustrator or Sketch.

Due to their algorithmic makeup, vectors are infinitely scalable, and remain smooth and crisp even when sized up to massive dimensions. Even when scaled to substantial proportions, the pattern below remains clean and exact.

Elements like fonts render the same way—when sized up or down, they retain their quality.

A vector image’s formulaic makeup keeps file sizes to a minimum in comparison to its raster counterparts. This comes in handy when there are restrictions to file sizes or image storage.

While a vector image file has many advantages, there are compatibility issues when shared. You must have access to vector-based programs in order to edit the native files.

Programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Sketch are best used to create and manipulate vector images. Avoid raster-based programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, when incorporating vector elements that need to be scaled.

Vectors’ scalability make them ideal for design work consisting of logos and icons. Both logos and icons require immense detail and many size options, usually depending on their application.

For example, you might use a logo on something as small as a business card or something as large as a billboard. Vectors are ideal for both large and small format prints, because rasterized designs will lose quality when resized.

File Formats for Vector Images

These common vector file types can be saved or edited in these formats:

  • AI (Adobe Illustrator document)
  • EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
  • SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic)
  • PDF (Portable Document Format—only when saved from vector programs)

Shutterstock’s collection of images includes tons of scalable vector graphics and images available for download, like fonts, patterns, and illustrations. To view vector images exclusively, change the Image Type located under the search bar and select Vectors.


When to Use Raster vs. Vector

RASTERVECTOR
Pixel-basedMathematical curves and lines
Best for photographsBest for logos, type, and geometric designs
More accessible and shareableLess accessible and shareable
Large file sizesSmaller file sizes

Knowing when to use raster and when to use vector in specific applications is an essential skill for anyone engaged in graphic design.

License these images via Westend61 on Offset, Lithiumphoto, olga_wanderer, and oxygen_8.

Pros and Cons of Raster Graphics

Since raster graphics are made up of square-shaped pixels, they’re best for displaying more detailed images and subtle gradations in colored pixels.

Because raster images are more readily available in common file formats, they’re more accessible across multiple applications. They’re also easier to view and share online, especially on social media and through web image browsers.

While raster graphics are nice for showcasing a more complex image, photograph, and shareable image, they do not scale well. Making a raster graphic too large will result in heavy pixelation, which can appear unprofessional to the user.

In addition, a larger raster image means more detail, and more detail means more pixels. And that means a larger file size.

Pros and Cons of Vector Graphics in Digital Artwork

Because vectors are made up of mathematical equations, they’re infinitely scalable, making them ideal for logos, geometric designs, and typography. Vector graphics also take up significantly less file space than their raster counterparts.

Rather than being comprised of square-shaped pixels, vectors are made up of mathematical curves and lines, meaning vectors display visual information differently than raster images. So, while vectors are ideal for scalable logos, typography, and design, they’re not the best choice for photographic images.

In the example image above, the raster version of the photograph (on the left) looks best. The vector version of the image (on the right) is oversimplified, as vector programs visualize graphics in groups of solid colors.

Pros and Cons of Vector Graphics in Product Artwork

Vector graphics are often used for product artwork because they’re scalable, meaning they can be easily resized for use on everything from matchbooks to billboards.

Still, as previously mentioned, vector graphics are not ideal for displaying detailed colors and imagery, as they often appear too simplified when compared to their raster counterparts.

Vector programs can also take longer to render objects with more complexity, such as a photograph or landscape.


Converting Raster to Vector (and Vice Versa)

Knowing when to use which type of graphic is crucial. But, what do you do when you need to convert an image from one format to the other?

Raster Images to Vector Images

Converting raster images to vector formats can be done, but in specific contexts. For example, converting a raster image to vector is best reserved for simplistic designs rather than photographs and portraits.

Adobe Illustrator Image Trace

Converting a raster image to vector in Adobe Illustrator is ideal if you have access to Creative Cloud.

In the Illustrator program, open up a new file and then place the image onto an artboard using Shift + Command + P.

From there, open up the Image Trace panel by going to Window > Image Trace.

In the Image Trace panel, set the Mode to Color and the Colors to 30, the maximum amount. Hit Trace to allow Illustrator to process the image.

Once the image has been processed, expand the result by going to Object > Expand. The raster image now has editable vector components.

Raster image with editable vector components

Online Raster to Vector Converters

If you need to convert a raster image to vector, but don’t have access to Illustrator, there are several online converters—like Vectorizer and Vector Magic—that make the process as easy as a drag-and-drop.

Transferring Vector to Raster

Converting vector graphics to raster file formats is something every designer needs to learn. In order to share vector designs to those without vector program access, converting the vector design into a readable raster format is essential.

Saving and exporting the vector design into a raster format is inherent in every vector editing program. For example, in Adobe Illustrator, you’ll go to File > Export > Export As, and then convert the design as a JPG, PNG, or TIFF file.

Sharing your vector design in a raster format rather than a vector file ensures anyone can view the attached file.

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular raster-based editors available and has been used to edit photographs, create graphic designs, and illustrate. This app can also open vectors, which is extremely valuable.

Another handy design resource is Shutterstock Create, a free raster-based image editor that lets users create and edit high-quality images on any device. Using its comprehensive set of tools, anyone can quickly and easily enhance photos, remove objects from photos, add text and shapes, add filters and effects, and more—all without the need for any complicated software or learning curves.


Take Your Designs to the Next Level with Shutterstock Flex

Need beautiful photography to form the foundation of your next project? We’ve got you covered. With Shutterstock Flex, you’ll have all-in-one access to our massive library, plus the FLEXibility you need to select the perfect mix of assets every time.


License this cover image via Westend61 on Offset, Lithiumphoto, olga_wanderer, and oxygen_8.


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