Raster and Vector images

Raster and Vector images

Raster and Vector are the two different types of computer graphics. The difference between the two is that Raster Images are made up of pixels, raster images are also known as bitmap images. Vector images are made up of paths and are also known as .esp files. They use points and paths and create an image when they connect together. Vector images are generally higher quality than raster images because they appear the same at any resolution whereas with raster images, it would look smooth at a larger resolution, but when zoomed in, you can easily notice all the individual pixels and colours in the image.

Comparison of Raster and Vector graphics

Raster images are more suited for digital photos and game textures. As Vector graphics are made up of paths and smooth lines, it is suited for things like logos. As whatever size it is, it appears the same in quality. 

With game graphics (specifically in Flash games), Vector images are better suited because as they are mathematical equations (the paths and points joining up together) they are smaller and is faster to download. Also, depending on the resolution of the user's browser, the game graphics would stay the same and not pixelated. Raster images, as they are made up of many individual pixels in one picture, they are larger and slower to download. Therefore, vector images are best when it comes to flash games. You will often notice how most flash games have smooth, 2D graphics and never appear blocky, this is because they are indeed, using vector graphics.

Example of a Flash game using vector graphics

In photoshop, you can convert raster images into vector images. A way to do this would be to import a silhouette into photoshop. When the silhouette is first imported in you will notice the pixels in it when you zoom in. This is because images imported into photoshop become raster images. In order to turn the raster silhouette into a vector you must make a selection around it using the magnetic lasso tool and then make the same silhouette but as a vector. On the layers, select a new path and use the pen tool to draw around the silhouette and then change the colour of the silhouette whilst the path is still selected on the layer. It's now been converted into a silhouette.