A raster image is made up of pixels, which are small squares of information. These are rendered images on a pixel-by-pixel basis, which are considered ideal for colorful and rich images like photographs. If there are lots of gradients or shades in a picture, raster graphics would be the ideal choice. These images are created while taking a photograph with a digital camera, scanning a drawing or creating an image in a raster based software like Adobe Photoshop. On the other hand, a vector art is made up of vectors, which are entities that are defined mathematically and drawn between coordinates. CAD programs as well as other software programs that are vector-based like Adobe Illustrator are used to create such images.

Raster and Vector Image

Raster and Vector Graphics Image

If you are planning to get a logo stitched on your Jersey or a fine animal print on your kid’s dress, you might be looking for raster to vector tracing. They provide digitized files in different formats like CDR (Corel Draw), AI (Adobe Illustrator), PDF, EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), DXT and WMF. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages of raster graphics. If you are wondering whether raster or vector conversion would be a better choice, here is a comparative study between the two that will help you take your pick.

Advantages of Raster Graphics      

  • These are the ideal choice while handling detailed and rich images. Each of the pixels in a raster image can be of different colors, that is why it is possible to create a complex image with lots of variation and color changes.
  • Raster files, can handle almost any format, the most recognized applications being the Adobe Photoshop.

Disadvantages of Raster Graphics

  • Since raster images cannot be scaled up in size properly, it’s difficult enlarging a raster image.

A vector graphic is based on mathematical formulas. It is made up of lots of small points which combine together and make the image.

Advantages of Vector Graphics

  • The files are small as these contain less data.
  • The lines are smoother as compared to the pixel based raster graphics.

Disadvantages of Vector Graphics

  • Even the smallest error is visible in a vector image.
  • These graphics are filled with a solid, gradient or color.

Based on these advantages and disadvantages, you can select between raster and vector graphics. In case you need the help regarding raster to vector conversion. Here are some of the points.

Need For Raster To Vector Conversion

The conversion of a certain picture from one particular format to another has emerged as a very popular trend among professionals as it helps them, use an image in different formats. Since a particular format is restricted to specific resolutions and pixels, and they can be run only into limited software, changing the formats has turned out to be an extremely useful option among the professionals.

There are certain definite benefits of raster to vector conversion –

Raster to Vector Conversion

Raster to Vector Conversion

  • Image data remains secured– While saving an image in a compressed format, the data might get lost. But when vector conversion is used to convert an image into the desired format, it will help save the important data.
  • Improves image compatibility– Conversion of an image from raster to vector format makes it compatible with software and systems so that it can be printed and edited accordingly.
  • Reduces the size of the file– Converting an image in vector form reduces the size of the file. This process helps make these images easier to transfer and store and thus increases the portability.
  • Enhances the appearance of an image– Use of vector conversion enhances the appearance of the image in terms of resolution, pixel and color. Techniques like masking and down sampling are used to ensure that the image looks perfect in the desired format.

With these benefits to take advantage of, it’s no wonder that using vector conversion for converting a raster image to vector format is on the rise.