Vector vs. raster graphics – when to use the right type

Presentation websites, graphic design, or game graphics – these are all areas where you will encounter both vector and raster graphics. Both formats have their place and use. At PUX, we use vector graphics for logos and icons in corporate brochure design due to their scalability, while we process customer photographs in raster graphics, which better capture the details and colors of the images.

Key Differences

Pixels vs. Mathematics

Raster images are made up of colored pixels arranged to form an image. If you enlarge a raster, it will pixelate or become blurry. Vector graphics, on the other hand, are created using mathematical equations that recalculate when their size changes; therefore, you can infinitely scale vector graphics while maintaining sharp edges.

Real Graphics

Vector images consist of shapes, and each shape has its own color, which means they cannot achieve color gradients, shadows, and shading like raster images. Raster images can display countless colors in a single image and allow color adjustments beyond the vector image.

File Type and Size

Raster images must contain all the information needed to render the image – pixels, colors, pixel arrangement, and more. Compression can help minimize these file sizes. Vectors rely on calculations, so the only information they need to contain is their mathematical formulas.

You can scale vector graphics infinitely and beyond

Vector graphics are made up of mathematical equations, points, lines, and shapes.

This means they consist of paths, each defined by a mathematical formula (vector) that describes how the path is shaped and what color it is outlined or filled with. Thanks to these formulas, our graphic designer can scale vector graphics infinitely without losing quality.

Our graphic designers turn to vector graphics when:

• they need an image that can be enlarged or reduced without losing quality,
• they want to create a file that takes up minimal space,
• they require support for formats like SVG, EPS, PDF, or AI,
• they are creating logos, icons, illustrations, or typography,
• they need easy and quick graphic editing,
• they are looking for a scalable solution.

There are many advantages to vector graphics. Let's go through them together.

Size doesn't matter 

Vector graphics are incredibly flexible. No matter how much you need to enlarge or reduce an image, the quality remains intact. This allows you to create graphics that look good on both business cards and billboards.

Additionally, we save a ton of disk space

File sizes of vector graphics are minimal – they are based on mathematical formulas, so they take up much less space than traditional raster graphics. This is beneficial not only for saving disk space but also for fast website loading.

Should I offer SVG or would you prefer PDF?

This is what vector graphics would probably ask you if they could talk – they support formats like SVG, EPS, PDF, and AI. This gives you the freedom of choice and ensures that your graphics will be compatible with most software and platforms.

Versatility of use

Vector graphics are used for creating logos, icons, illustrations, and typography. Due to their clarity and sharpness, they are ideal for design elements that must look perfect at any size. Illustrations and typography benefit from infinite scalability, allowing for seamless enlargement or reduction without loss of quality.

At PUX, vector graphics are our daily bread

As mentioned earlier, our graphic designers use both styles – vector and raster. Check out how our designer Hynek skillfully handled logos for our clients ISAN and WBIO using vector graphics.

Raster graphics offer a world full of colors and details

Raster graphics, also known as bitmap graphics, consist of individual color pixels. Each pixel contributes to the overall image and provides rich details and pixel-by-pixel adjustments. Digital cameras create raster images, and all the photographs you see in print and online are indeed raster images.

Our graphic designers will use raster graphics if:

• they need an image with a high level of detail and accurate representation of complex images,
• they are working with digital photographs,
• they are creating images with detailed textures,
• they are using file formats such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PSD,
• they want to work with large files to maintain quality at higher resolutions and color counts.

Raster graphics have many rules and advantages

Here, size matters

Raster graphics lose quality when dimensions change. When you enlarge an image, the pixels become visible and the quality decreases. Therefore, work with high resolution from the start to achieve the desired quality even during edits.

Captures even the smallest detail

It offers a high level of detail and precise capture of complex images. It is ideal for digital photography and detailed graphic work that requires careful representation of fine details, colors, and textures.

But it takes up more disk space

The file sizes of raster graphics are larger, especially if you work with high resolution and a wide range of colors. Even though you get a very detailed image, it will take up more disk space.

Universal use

Raster graphics are great for photos, illustrations with many details, and complex images. They work well in printed materials, on the web, or in digital art because they can render even the smallest details. When used correctly, it becomes an indispensable tool for creating beautiful visuals.

Let's take a moment to step into the world of games

If you are a fan of games, just like we are at PUX, you will surely appreciate how vector graphics can elevate visual quality and the gaming experience. Let's look at where you can find it and what magic and effects it brings to the world of games. 

Examples of vector graphics use in games

In the gaming world, vector graphics are mainly used for user interfaces (UI) and game logos. For example:

• “Monument Valley”: this game uses vector graphics to create clean geometric shapes that are perfect for mobile devices.
• “Mini Motorways”: an arcade game that uses vector graphics to create bright and sharp shapes.

Examples of Raster Graphics Usage in Games

Raster graphics are commonly found in games that require a high level of detail and realistic textures:

• “Grand Theft Auto V”: uses raster textures to create a vibrant and believable urban environment.
• “Minecraft”: although it has a pixel style, each individual pixel is important and contributes to the overall appearance of the game.

When to Use Raster or Vector?

Raster Images:

• Photographs: raster images are ideal for photographs that require complex color blends and details.
• Digital Paintings: perfect for creating digital paintings in programs like Photoshop and GIMP.
• Web Images: can be compressed for storage and optimized for the web.

Vector Images:

• Logos and Illustrations: best for logos, illustrations, engravings, etchings, artwork, lettering, and embroidery.
• Graphic Design: ideal for designs that use simple solid colors and scalable shapes.
• Print Materials: excellent for printing stickers and other projects that do not include photographs.

If you are interested in creating a custom graphic design or need advice on whether vector or raster graphics are more suitable for your project, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you find the best solution.