- Vector Images are resolution independent because they are resizable without loss of quality. Raster images on the other hand are resolution-dependent and cannot be sized up or down extensively without degrading the picture quality.
- Vector is defined as a type of graphics in terms of the 2D point that is connected by lines, curves to form polygons and other shapes, while Bitmap is a graphic type that represents a rectangular grid of pixels, viewable via monitor, paper, or other raster display medium.
- The file size of a Vector image is comparatively less than a Bitmap one.
- Vector Images are completely editable where the shapes and colors can be changed, deleted, or created using a Vector application (adobe illustrator, Corel draw, etc) without affecting the picture quality. Bitmap editing applications exist, but these may be able to edit the raster images up to an extent and not entirely like Vectors.
- Acronym of Vector file are .ps, .ep, .ai, .cdr, .svf, .svg etc. bitmap acronym are .jpg, .gif, .png, .tiff, .psd and others
- Raster image file formats are not completely beatable though. Photo-realistic images can be represented better using Raster Format photographs. Vectors, on the other hand, may not appear photo-realistic, though simple objects if recreated carefully can replicate realistic images. Realistic graphics created in Vector images share all the advantages of Vector formats like resolution independence.
- Vector graphics use mathematical formulas to draw lines and curves that can be combined to create an image, whereas Bitmap graphic does not.
- If a photograph can communicate your idea or concept, you should stick to Bitmap images. Logos, Icons, Clipart, and abstract images should be purely Vectors. Vectors can be ideal for Logos and Clipart as they may need to be scaled up to fit on something as small as a business card or perhaps on something as big as a billboard.
- It is possible to edit images without reducing the quality in Vector graphic and the reverse is the case of Bitmap graphic.
- In terms of color, bitmap graphics are best for images that need to have a wide range of color gradations, such as photographs. Vector formats, on the other hand, are better for images that consist of only a few areas of solid color such as logos and type (text). This also means that vectors can’t create realistic gradients, and although some vector software will allow it, they are actually using raster effects on the vector graphic.
So after all that what we can say is that neither vector nor bitmap is a better format than the other but rather that each format has its advantages and disadvantages. The main thing is that once you know what these advantages and disadvantages are you can make an informed decision on which format is the right one for your design project. Vector or Bitmap… It’s your choice!