Vector Art

Raster (Bitmap)

• Pixel-based

• Raster programs best for editing photos and 
  creating continuous tone images with soft  
  color blends

• Do not scale up optimally - Image must be 
  created/scanned at the desired usage size or 
  larger

• Large dimensions & detailed images equal large file size

• It is more difficult to print raster images using 
  a limited amount of spot colors

• Some processes cannot use raster formats

• Depending on the complexity of the image, 
  conversion to vector may be time consuming

• Raster images are the most common image  
  format, including: jpg, gif, png, tif, bmp, psd,  
  eps and pdfs originating from raster programs

• Common raster programs: photo editing / 
  paint programs such as Photoshop & Paint 
  Shop, GIMP (free)

Vector

• Common vector programs: drawing programs 
  such as Illustrator, CorelDraw, Inkscape.

• Common vector graphic file format: ai, cdr, 
  svg, and eps & pdfs originating from vector 
  programs.

• Vector programs best for creating logos, 
  drawings and illustrations, technical 
  drawings. For images that will be applied to  
  physical products.

• Can be scaled to any size without losing 
  quality, Shapes based on mathematical calculations.

• Resolution-independent: Can be printed at 
  any size/resolution

• A large dimension vector graphic maintains a 
  small file size

• Number of colors can be easily increased or 
  reduced to adjust printing budget

• Vector art can be used for many processes 
  and easily rasterized to be used for all 
  processes

• Can be easily converted to raster

• It is not the best format for continuous tone 
  images with blends of color or to edit 
  photographs.