Why vector images are better than raster images

by Sanjita Nanda SEO SR.Expert

Professional editors use several programs to retouch, manipulate or create new files or for picture restoration. While work is being done on them these images can be saved in any format but when they come to the editing table, they become either vector or raster. Raster or bitmap images are made of pixels which by themselves are just spots of color. When many such spots or dots are put on the grid they form a picture. The number of pixels is calculated based on the size of the image and since the number of pixels is limited, the resolution of the image is fixed. This image can only be scaled to a certain degree and not beyond that. This leads to some of the original pixels getting left out if the bitmap image is reduced and which in turn affects the overall look of the picture. Conversely, if the same picture is increased in height, the image seems distorted. All these minus points mean that the raster images need vector conversion.

What actually do we mean by vector conversion or vector art conversion? It means that we can configure pictures in many imaginative ways since the vector format is very flexible. Since there are no pixels involved, there is no worry about the resolution and hence the picture can be reduced or increased to any size. Vector images have a structure which is composed of geometrical line sand malleable shapes which renders it mist effective for many-sided logos and many more things. It is also very useful for architectural drawings and mapping where precision is the keyword.

To vector a picture means to either reduce or enlarge it without compromising on the quality and accuracy. The reduction can be as small as for a business card or a stamp size/ passport size photo. Since this type of a picture can be traced and moves from point to point, editing becomes simpler. Good results can be got by applying many clipping path techniques. Pictures can also be enlarged like for ad campaigns and either way, the quality of the picture remains of a high standard. Editors are also being very creative with vector conversion by adding a transparent or opaque background to give a new outlook to the picture. Reflections or drop shadow are also increasingly being used for added value.

A raster image can be converted into vector but it is difficult the other way round but both are inter-dependent. The right vector conversion program can help the editor achieve extremely creative and accurate results.