Bitmap and Vector Images: Make Sure You Know the Differences

What is a bitmap image?

A Bitmap image = a Raster imageJust in case you were wondering ..

A large GRID with with lots of little squares (= pixels) in it

Figure #1PS. Bitmaps aka 'maps of bits' - seriously..

Colour is placedin each of these squares to build up an image

Figure #2

Stand back from the grid and you'll see a photo image

Figure #3

Area shown on previous slide

Working with Bitmaps

This image is 250 pixels by 250 pixels in size

This image is 100 pixels by 100 pixels in size.The image still looks good.

This image is1000 pixels by1000 pixels in size.

The image is blurry

There's not enough colour to go around

Try and create or buy, as large an image as possible

You can reduce the size of thisimage and it will still look good

But if you try and increase the size of the Bitmap it might become blurry!

● Great for complex photos

● Most programmes can workwith a simple bitmap image

● They aren't scalable to larger sizes

● Files can be very big

● Images not easily edited

jpegpsd (Photoshop)

pngtiffgif

Popular Bitmap Formats

What is a vector image?

The points are connected by lines - called Paths

The points are calledAnchor Points(A & B)

A path can be various shapes

The paths can be coloured, have thickness (stroke) and can be infilled with colour

Here's an example of vector art Thanks to artgerm.deviantart.com

Fonts are vector graphics

In some programmes, you can edit the paths of the font - e.g. Inkscape

● File size is usually small

● Scalable, and they remain sharp

● The image is easily editable

Not well suited to photo images

pdfepsai svg

Popular vector formats

Quick Summary

To learn more about creating good visual content and making your own visuals

Click Herehttp://UsefulGraphicDesignTutorials.com/

We also show you how to make funny & interesting shapes!