Raster VS Vector

Raster VS Vector -

Raster images are based on PIXELS. A pixel is one of many that is used to create an image.

An example of pixels is the image below.
3 pixels by 6 pixels.  A pixel is the smallest thing that one can expect in a display monitor.

PPI stands for pixels per inch and one can calculate the pixels by counting the pixels in each inch and this will represent the resolution.

Raster images are also known as Bitmap images.

Since it is made of pixels , once zoomed one will be decreasing the image quality and will reveal the pixels and make them visible.


A perfect example of this is the image below -

A perfect image when in it's proper resolution, but when zoomed the image quality is ruined.












Vector - 
Vector images are not based on pixels!

Vector images are geometrical shapes that are created by a mathematical equation. Vector images can be stretched without loosing the image quality. A good example of this is for example when someone is writing in Microsoft word at size 12 and one increase it to size 100, the letters are bigger and will still remain crystal clear. This is because the fonts are vector type and when they are increased in size a mathematical equation is worked out in order to maintain the same quality(good quality) of the image.


What program to use ?

One should also consider the programs to use when designing an image/logo.  If you are going to work with vector images , Illustrator must be used whilst Photoshop is used to create raster images. One can work with illustrator and then import the work to Photoshop to add extra texture to the image/logo.

Vector VS Bitmap

During class we were given a task to recreate a character from space invaders with sticky notes. Space invaders characters are created from pixels(Raster) 1 pixel represents one sticky note that we had to stick on the wall. First we counted the pixels to know how many sticky notes we will be using and ended with the final result -