Raster vs Vector: What’s the Difference? [With Examples, File Types & Use Cases]

Raster vs Vector: Key Differences Explained

Raster vs Vector: Key Differences Explained (With Examples & Comparison Table) is a key concept for designers, developers, and anyone working with digital images. Raster graphics are composed of colored pixels that together form an image, while vector graphics use mathematical paths like lines and curves. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right format for logos, illustrations, or web graphics.

Raster vs Vector: Comparison Table

Feature Raster Images Vector Graphics
Composition Pixels (bitmap) Mathematical paths
Scalability Loses quality when scaled Infinitely scalable
File Size Larger (depends on resolution) Smaller (resolution-independent)
Best Use Cases Photographs, web images Logos, illustrations, icons
Common Formats .jpg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .tiff .svg, .ai, .eps, .pdf
Editing Software Photoshop, GIMP Illustrator, Sketch, CorelDRAW

What Are Raster Images?

Raster images are often called bitmap images because they are made of millions of tiny squares, called pixels. You can identify a raster or bitmap image by looking at it very closely. If you zoom in enough, you will be able to see the square outlines of each pixel (especially around edges where there are dramatic color contrasts).

As a result, raster graphics typically have larger file sizes than their vector counterparts. Higher DPI (dots per inch) and PPI (pixels per inch) settings also contribute to larger files because software must keep track of and be able to render each pixel. File size can become a concern if storage or server space is limited or if files have to be transmitted electronically.

Key points:

  • Best for detailed, complex images like photographs.

  • File size increases with resolution (DPI/PPI).

  • Zooming in reveals pixelation or blurring.

Common raster formats:
.jpg, .png, .gif, .tiff, .bmp, .psd

Raster vs Vector: What’s the Difference?

What Are Vector Graphics?

Unlike pixel-based raster images, vector graphics are based on mathematical formulas that define geometric primitives such as polygons, lines, curves, circles and rectangles. In contrast, vector graphics are composed of true geometric primitives, they are best used to represent more structured images, like line art graphics with flat, uniform colors. Most created images (as opposed to natural images) meet these specifications, including logos, letterhead, and fonts.

Key points:

  • Ideal for logos, text graphics, icons.

  • Perfect for printing and scaling.

  • Clean lines, crisp shapes.

Common vector formats:
.svg, .ai, .eps, .pdf (vector-based)

Popular editors:
Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Sketch

See Vector Graphics

Raster vs Vector

Common raster file types:

Raster files are saved in various formats:

  • .tiff (Tagged Image File Format)
  • .psd (Adobe Photoshop Document)
  • .pdf (Portable Document Format)
  • .jpg (Joint Photographics Expert Group)
  • .png (Portable Network Graphic)
  • .gif (Graphics Interchange Format)
  • .bmp (Bitmap Image File)

Popular raster-based image editors:

  • Adobe Photoshop

Common vector file types:

Vector files 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)

Popular vector-based image editors:

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Sketch

When to Use Raster or Vector Files

If you’re working with complex, high-color images like photographs, raster is usually the right choice. However, if your project involves logos, icons, or any design requiring scalability, go with vector. Raster vs vector is a crucial decision in both print and web design.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Raster and Vector

Now that you understand the key differences between raster and vector graphics, you can choose the best format for your next design. Learn more about raster graphics or vector graphics from reliable sources.