When you’re working with digital design, one of the most important concepts to understand is the difference between vector graphics and raster graphics. These two formats handle images in completely different ways—and knowing when to use each can make or break your project.
Raster Graphics (Pixel-Based Images)
Raster graphics are made up of a grid of pixels—tiny colored squares that come together to form the overall image. Think of them like a mosaic: each tile is a pixel, and when viewed at the right size, you see the full picture.
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Common Software: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Procreate
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Best For: Photos, detailed textures, web images
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Limitations: Because raster images are locked to a set number of pixels, scaling them up often causes blurry or pixelated results. A 500 × 500 pixel image will always have 250,000 pixels—no more, no less.
Example: A photograph taken with a camera is a raster image. It has a fixed resolution, like 1920 × 1080 pixels, and can’t be enlarged without losing sharpness.
Vector Graphics (Math-Based Images)
Vector graphics work in an entirely different way. Instead of storing thousands of colored pixels, they use mathematical equations to describe shapes, lines, and curves. That means they can be scaled to any size—small enough for a business card or large enough for a billboard—without losing clarity.
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Common Software: Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, FlexiSIGN
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Best For: Logos, typography, illustrations, vehicle wraps, and anything that needs to be scaled
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Advantages: Infinite scalability, smaller file sizes for simple artwork, and easy color editing.
Example: A company logo designed in Illustrator can be printed on a pen or wrapped around a truck—always perfectly sharp.
Quick Comparison: Raster vs. Vector
| Feature | Raster Graphics (Photoshop) | Vector Graphics (Illustrator, Corel, Flexi) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Type | Pixels (dots) | Math coordinates (paths, curves) |
| Scalability | Loses quality when enlarged | Infinite scalability |
| Best Use | Photos, textures | Logos, wraps, signs, illustrations |
| File Formats | JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP | AI, EPS, SVG, PDF |
Which Should You Use?
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Use Raster when working with photographs or detailed artwork that requires textures and gradients.
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Use Vector when creating logos, wraps, signage, or any design that will be scaled up or down.
At GrafixDepot, we recommend designers build logos and wrap designs in vector format so they print sharp and clean at any size, then bring them into raster programs (like Photoshop) when they need to add photo textures or detailed effects.
✅ Pro Tip: Many professional workflows actually combine both—using vectors for the base design and rasters for photo elements. This hybrid approach gives you flexibility, scalability, and visual richness.