Of pixels and vectors

[Nuclear Krusader]

Could somebody explain to me the difference between pixels and vectors images? I 've heard that when you use vectors the images don't lose definition no matter how you resize them. What graphics programs do use vectors and what don't?

TIA

[DrZaius]

Hi NK,

There are two types of images: raster (or bitmap), and vector. When you create a bitmap image you are drawing it pixel by pixel, so when you resize it later there is no further detail, and the image looks blurry.

Vector images on the other hand are defined by vector lines (like equations), so if you resize the image, the computer just has to recalculate the length, size, angle of the lines and it redraws the image to a larger scale. Hope that helps.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Are jpgs and gifs raster or vector?

[DrZaius]

Those are raster images. Any file you edit with a paint program (like PhotoShop) is a raster image. Programs like Adobe Illustrator are used to draw vector images, which can then be saved as rasters. So if you need to resize a logo later on, you can open the vector image and resize it. Other example of vector type rendering is with fonts (thats how fonts can be made big and still look clear) and Flash animations.

[Nuclear Krusader]

OK. Thanx a lot, DrZ.