Raster / Vector

Raster Graphics

Raster Images (also referred to as raster graphics) are made up of tiny squares of pixels arranged in a grid format. The file size of an image is determined by the number of pixels being used in the image. 300dpi = 300 dots per inch, which is print resolution. 72dpi = 72 dots per inch

Vector Graphics

Vector graphics, unlike Raster graphics, are not comprised of a grid of pixels. They are instead comprised from paths which start & end at a point- along with other points, curves & angles. Paths can be made into shapes or they can be just a line. Paths can be made into pictures or letterforms. Because vector graphics are math based, they can be scaled to any size without losing detail (without becoming pixelated).

Raster images are made of pixels. A pixel is a single point or the smallest single element in a display device. If you zoom in to a raster image you may start to see a lot of little tiny squares.

Vector images are mathematical calculations from one point to another that form lines and shapes. If you zoom into a vector graphic it will always look the same.