Have you ever wondered or wanted to know the difference between bitmap and vector graphics? If you have, here is a basic explanation:
Bitmap images are a collection of bits (dots or pixels) that form an image. Each of these pixels (short for picture element) can be of any color. If a bitmap image is enlarged, each pixel stretches. This can cause the image to look blocky or “pixelated”. If a bitmap image is reduced too much it can become fuzzy. Adobe PhotoShop is one of the applications that is used to modify or create bitmap images. File formats can be: bmp, eps, gif, jpeg, pdf, pict, & tiff.
Vector images use mathematical definitions and are not made up of pixels. These images are made up of lines which include a vast collection of points with lines interconnecting all of them or just a few control points that are connected using bezier curves. You can enlarge and reduce vector images usually without any loss in quality. Most logos are created as vector artwork so they can be reduced and enlarged for different projects and not loose any quality of the image. Many sign companies use vector artwork to create vinyl signs and specialty advertisers also use vector artwork because of the quality of these images. Adobe Illustrator is one of the applications that is used to modify or create vector images. File formats can be: eps, pdf, and pict.
