Raster graphics vs. vector graphics: what's the difference?

Raster graphics, also known as bitmaps, are images composed of a grid of individual colored squares called pixels. Think of them as a digital mosaic; each tiny tile holds a specific color, and when viewed together from a distance, they form a complete image. Because they are pixel-based, raster images are resolution-dependent. This means the image's quality is directly tied to the number of pixels it contains. If you enlarge a raster image too much, the pixels get stretched and become visible, resulting in a blurry, pixelated appearance. This is why raster graphics are best suited for photographs and detailed artwork with complex color variations and subtle gradients, where capturing fine details is crucial. Common raster file types include JPEG, PNG, and GIF.

In contrast, vector graphics are not made of pixels. Instead, they are composed of mathematical paths, curves, and shapes. These paths define the image's outlines, colors, and other attributes based on mathematical equations. Because the image is created from a formula rather than a fixed grid of pixels, it is resolution-independent. This allows vector graphics to be scaled to any size—from a small icon to a large billboard—without any loss of quality or sharpness. The lines and shapes will always remain crisp and clear. This makes vector graphics the ideal choice for logos, illustrations, fonts, and other designs that need to be resized frequently and used across different media. Common vector file types include SVG, AI, and EPS.