The Difference Between Vector and Bitmap Images

What is a Vector Image?
Unlike bitmap images, which are created from tiny dots called pixels, vector images are created from shapes, curves and anchor points. When a vector image is enlarged or modified, its image quality remains the same.

Complexity
Vector images are often simple two-dimensional illustrations, like logos, signs and common marketing graphics. Bitmap images are often realistic and highly-detailed visual renderings, like photos and digital paintings.

Usage
Vector images can be enlarged without losing quality, which makes them ideal for graphic design and printing. Graphic designers can use vector images in several types of media, like business cards, brochures and billboards, without any deterioration.

How Vector and Bitmap Images Look
Examples of vector images:
1. Illustrations
2. Logos

Examples of bitmap images:
1. Photos
2. Digital paintings

The Main Advantages of Vector Images
1. Infinite scalability without loss of quality
2. No DPI
3. No blur or pixelation
4. Vector images are always clean and sharp

How to Know if Your Image is a Vector
1. Check your image's file format. Vector images are typically an AI, EPS, PDF or SVG file.

2. Open the image in a vector software editor and check if the image has any anchor points.

3. Zoom the image in Adobe Reader and check if the edges remain clean and non-pixelated. If so, your image is likely a vector.

How to Convert a Bitmap Image into a Vector Image
1. Use an online vectorization tool or a vector editing program

2. If auto-tracing tools produce unsatisfactory results, have a graphic design professional redraw your bitmap image as a vector image - www.vectorizeimages.com

Useful links:
Free vectorization - www.vectorization.eu
Online vectorization service (Graphic designer) - www.vectorizeimages.com

Видео The Difference Between Vector and Bitmap Images канала Vectorize Images