ELA Component
In the computer world there are a lot of different ways to store an image. These different ways of storing are called file formats, or image file types. There are many different types of image files, such as: jpg, gif, png, svg. However, no matter what file type you use, every picture on a computer can be classified as either a Bitmap or Vector image. The difference is in how the computer reads and displays the images. It's important to know the difference between them because each format has it's own strengths and weaknesses.
There is a basic difference in graphics between vectors and pixels. Pictures that are printed or that are displayed on a digital screen like a monitor or are simply in digital form are made up of thousands of tiny dots, each of a single color. When these dots are printed, they are simply called dots, but when they are digital they are called pixels.
Also, when displayed on a monitor or captured on your digital camera pixels can be seen. The word 'pixel' is really just a shorter for 'picture element' meaning one single one of those tiny digital dots that is a single colour. Pixels that are different colors are placed next to each other to give the impression of a on going change in tone representing colors and shades very much like what we see in reality with the naked eye.Vector images aren't made of pixels, but they are however made of outlines whose shapes are described mathematically.
A vector image can be rasterised into a pixel file, however the process to reverse the conversion is limited and determined by both the image content and available software. Increasing the size of a raster image will allow it to look as though it were pixelated, but when you increase the size of a vector image it will remain the same as a smooth straight line or curve.
Vector images are ideal for logos that are able to be scaled to fit billboards and/or business cards. Vector images are important if you have an image that you will be using repeatedly at different sizes. For example, a company logo might might be put on envelopes and letterheads, as well as posters and billboards. Having your logo in vector makes it easy to print it at different sizes, and retain a clean, crisp image, no matter the size. For most other basic jobs bitmaps are a faster and more cost effective way to produce images.
The matter of vector vs. bitmaps is a matter of application. Quality Vector images are an investment. It takes a skilled artist many hours to produce a quality vector logo, illustration, or diagram. But for images that are going to be used again and again, the investment is worthwhile.
There is a basic difference in graphics between vectors and pixels. Pictures that are printed or that are displayed on a digital screen like a monitor or are simply in digital form are made up of thousands of tiny dots, each of a single color. When these dots are printed, they are simply called dots, but when they are digital they are called pixels.
Also, when displayed on a monitor or captured on your digital camera pixels can be seen. The word 'pixel' is really just a shorter for 'picture element' meaning one single one of those tiny digital dots that is a single colour. Pixels that are different colors are placed next to each other to give the impression of a on going change in tone representing colors and shades very much like what we see in reality with the naked eye.Vector images aren't made of pixels, but they are however made of outlines whose shapes are described mathematically.
A vector image can be rasterised into a pixel file, however the process to reverse the conversion is limited and determined by both the image content and available software. Increasing the size of a raster image will allow it to look as though it were pixelated, but when you increase the size of a vector image it will remain the same as a smooth straight line or curve.
Vector images are ideal for logos that are able to be scaled to fit billboards and/or business cards. Vector images are important if you have an image that you will be using repeatedly at different sizes. For example, a company logo might might be put on envelopes and letterheads, as well as posters and billboards. Having your logo in vector makes it easy to print it at different sizes, and retain a clean, crisp image, no matter the size. For most other basic jobs bitmaps are a faster and more cost effective way to produce images.
The matter of vector vs. bitmaps is a matter of application. Quality Vector images are an investment. It takes a skilled artist many hours to produce a quality vector logo, illustration, or diagram. But for images that are going to be used again and again, the investment is worthwhile.