Watch Your Image! What is the difference between vector and raster graphics?
A rasterized image is a collection of blocks called pixels. Since each block is too small to see with the naked eye, the image appears to have smooth edges and looks like a photograph. Raster images work best for photographs.Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define the image with points, lines, and curves. Vector graphics can use up very little memory, but can be expanded to any size without a loss in quality. If you were to take a bitmap image and triple its size, the picture would look blocky; however, if you expanded a vector image to 100 times its original size, the picture would look as clear as it did originally.
When would I use vector or rasterized graphics?
If you need a logo, illustration or any image that uses distinct and defined shapes the image works best as a vector graphic. Vector art allows the most flexibility in sizing and placing the image and also ensures crisp printing that is faithful to the original artwork. EPS files can contain vector graphics.If you have an image that uses a wide range of colors and shades, it's best to use a rasterized image. Make sure your file has a high enough resolution (at least 300 dpi) so that it does not look blocky when printed. EPS, TIFF, GIF, and JPEG files can contain rasterized graphics.
What is an EPS file?
An EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) file can contain any combination of text, graphics and images. It is the most versatile file format available, since it allows both vector and rasterized graphics within a single file.What is a TIFF file?
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is used for rasterized data. It doesn't contain text or vector data. It stores the graphic without losing any information like JPEG and GIF files. TIFF images are one of the standard formats used in print.What is a JPEG file?
JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPEG images contain rasterized data and are best suited for the internet. When an image is converted to a JPEG, some of the data is lost when the file is compressed. This is why images taken off the web often have blurring or fuzziness around the edges of objects. A JPEG is not as well suited to printing.What is a GIF file?
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a file format that should not be used for prepress, it is suited to web design. GIF images keep file sizes small by limiting the color palette to a fixed number of colors. GIF files are usually set to a low resolution (72 dpi). Because of their limited color range and low resolution, GIF images do not reproduce well in print.