Did You Know : Different between vector and bitmap ?

This is a frequently question : What is different between vector and bitmap ?

There are many advantages and disadvantages between vector and bitmap. And in this graphics world, both have their own place, but need to be used in the right place.

Bitmap (AKA Raster) graphics/images are made up of pixels and normally captured from a scanner or camera. Pixels are small squares with a numerical value which depicts the color of each pixel. These pixels are mapped into a grid and the different color shades of the pixels together form the overall image. with the right size viewing of image and the number of pixels which it contains are set correctly, then the image should be perceived as continuous tone. It's hard to see when use naked eye.

Picture 1.1 is a bitmap image, which when magnified, clearly shows the coloured pixels (picture 1.2).

picture 1.1. Normal size

picture 1.2. When magnified

Vector

Unlike bitmap images, vector images/ graphics are not constructed with pixels, (although it is worth noting that when a vector image is viewed on a monitor, it is displayed using the monitors pixels).

Vector graphics are defined by mathematical descriptions and instructions and consist of straight and or curves lines, which are then connected from one point to another to form simple shapes, with colored fills and gradients, or more complex and intricate graphics.

Here is the simple examples of the vector

Picture 1.3. eps file (vector) Normal size using CorelDraw or Inkscape

Picture 1.4. eps file (vector) after 20x Zoom In using CorelDraw or Inkscape

Although it 20x zoom in using the CorelDraw or Inkscape , the image still in best resolution.

Bitmap and Vector Creation or Editor

Each type of graphic has instances where it makes sense to create it in bitmap or vector form, but in the world of printing it is common practice to use both. There are DTP (desktop publishing) programs available which cater for both types of image creation, like Adobe Photoshop for bitmap images and Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics. Both types of graphics can then be collated into one program like Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress to form a complete project which can then be printed.

A. Common bitmap creation/ editing programs include:
     A.1 Adobe Photoshop
     A.2 Adobe Photoshop Elements
     A.3 Corel Paintshop Pro
     A.4 Microsoft Paint
   A.5 GiMP (openSource)

B. Common vector creation/ editing programs include:
    B.1 Adobe Illustrator
    B.2 CorelDraw
    B.3 Vectorworks
    B.4 AutoCAD
    B.5 Inkscape (opensource)

Bitmap and Vector FIle Extension
A. Common bitmap File Extension
   A.1. *jpg,
     A.2. *.bmp,
   A.3. *.png
B. Common vector File Extension
    B.1. *.eps
    B.2. *.cdr (CorelDraw)
    B.3. *.svg (Inkscape)

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