Difference between bitmap and vector in tabular form
We explain the difference between bitmap and vector with a table. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Our social media world is full of images. Marketing agencies are also realizing the importance of using graphics and visuals to expand their business. bitmap and vector
The reason is that the images appeal to the audience more than anything. Our brain quickly perceives the information in the images. Therefore, a good graphic with colors and design has become essential for marketing and content strategy.
There are different types of graphic formats and they have their advantages and disadvantages. The two most commonly used types of graphics are bitmaps and vector graphics. bitmap and vector
The main difference between bitmap and vector is that bitmap images are made up of points called pixels. A pixel is the smallest square that combines to form a complete image.
Vector images are made up of lines and curves that combine to form a complete graphic. They use objects like circles and polygons to make a complete illustration.
If you reduce the bitmap images, you can see the pixels and the image begins to blur. But if you zoom out vector images, the image does not blur but remains smooth. bitmap and vector
One format has certain advantages and disadvantages over the other. Some other characteristics that differentiate between bitmaps and vector graphics are shown in the comparison table below.
Bitmap vs vector comparison table (in tabular form)
Comparison Bitmap Vector Parameter
Definition | A type of graphic that is made up of small elements called pixels. | A type of graph that is made up of lines and curves. |
Formats | .jpg, .gif, .png, .psd, .tiff | .ai, .svg, .ps, .eps, .svf |
Elements | Use pixels. bitmap and vector | Use geometric shapes. |
Resolution | Resizing the image affects its resolution. | Resizing the image does not affect its resolution. |
Suitable for | This type is suitable for photographs. | This type is suitable for logos, clip art, and icons. |
Software program | It can be edited with Adobe Photoshop. | It can be edited with Adobe Illustrator. |
File size | Comparatively larger than vector images. | Comparatively less than bitmap images. |
What is the bitmap?
A bitmap is a type of graphic that consists of small elements called pixels. Bitmap graphics are also called raster images.
Pixels have some color and when arranged together they form an image. Whenever you look at a screen, you see little dots called pixels. bitmap and vector
Bitmap graphics are resolution-dependent. That means that if you scale them too much, you can lose image quality.
If you reduce the image too much, you may see blurred edges and the image becomes uneven.
Therefore, it is recommended not to over-scale bitmap images. Only a slight size change is possible. The term to define the resolution of an image is dots per inch (dpi).
Photos are bitmap or bitmap images. Some of the more popular bitmap formats are Photographic Expert Group (.jpg), Graphics Interchange Format (.gif), Portable Network Graphics (.png), and Tagged Image File Format (.tiff). bitmap and vector
The outputs of printers and scanners are also bitmaps. Input and output devices such as digital cameras, monitors, etc. produce bitmap images.
The most used software to edit photos is Adobe Photoshop.
What is Vector?
A vector graphic is a type of graphic that uses geometric shapes such as lines, curves, circles, and polygons to compose an image. The mathematical formulas establish those points on the grid. bitmap and vector
Vector graphics are not resolution-dependent. That means it is possible to scale them without worrying about the image quality because the mathematical formulas redraw the image to the required scale.
This feature has a certain advantage over other types of charts. That is why vector graphics are quite popular all over the world. They look smooth in any resolution.
The most widely used vector formats are Adobe Illustrator File (.ai), Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg), and Encapsulated PostScript (.esp).
Programs used around the world to create and edit vector graphics are Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Adobe InDesign, and also CAD Systems. Logos, clip art, posters, and abstract images are vector graphics.
In the world of graphic design, vector graphics are used almost anywhere. Due to its scalable feature, the logo can be placed on a billboard and it would still have solid colors and consistency.
Animations also require vector graphics due to resolution independence. The animation industry makes billions every year, which is why vector graphics are always in demand.
Main differences between bitmap and vector
Some of the features that differentiate between Bitmap and Vector are detailed below: bitmap and vector
- A bitmap is a type of graphic that is made up of small elements called pixels, while a vector is a type of graphic that is made up of lines and curves.
- The most used formats for bitmaps are .jpg, .gif, .png, .psd, and .tiff, while the most used vector graphics are .ai, .svg, .ps, .eps, .svf.
- The basic element of bitmap images is pixels, while the basic element of vector graphics are geometric shapes.
- Resizing a bitmap graphic affects the quality of the image while resizing a vector graphic does not affect its quality.
- Bitmap graphics are mostly photographs, while vector graphics are mostly logos, icons, and clip art.
- Bitmap images can be edited through Adobe Photoshop, while vector graphics can be edited through Adobe Illustrator.
- Bitmap images are comparatively larger than vector images. Vector images have a smaller file size compared to bitmap images.
Final Thought
Both types of graphics have their pros and cons in terms of file size, resolution, and elements, but both are used to convey information to the audience.
Both solve specific types of tasks. It depends on your purpose to choose what type of chart you need.
Both types are in high demand in industries like marketing, social media, animation, graphics, content creation, and business.
They all use the power of graphics to broaden their audience and build their brand reputation.