What is the Difference Between Vector and Bitmap Images?
We see computer images all the time, but we rarely stop to think about the composition of those images. How are they put together? How are they manipulated? The vast majority of computer graphics fall into two categories: vector and bitmap. One is more complicated and time-consuming to create than the other, but both are in wide use. The most elementary kind of image in any discussion of vector and bitmap is the bitmap image, which sounds like something from the early days of computing, a map of bits. A bitmap image is quite literally a collection of squares that, taken together, make up the image. The squares might be of different colors, but they are all the same size. Reduce any bitmap image to its parts and you’ll see this in detail. Because a bitmap image is this collection of squares, it doesn’t hold up well to expansion. Designers, when talking about vector and bitmap images, often talk about the resolution of those images. That is how many dots per inch an image has. The more d
A vector image uses geometrical formulas to represent images. The other way of representing graphical images is through bit-maps in which the image is made up of a pattern of dots (note that bit-maps are often referred to as raster graphics). Programs that allow you to create and manipulate vector graphics are called draw programs and programs that manipulate bit-map images are called paint programs. Vector graphics are more flexible than bit-maps because they can be easily re-sized. In addition, images stored as vectors look better when displayed on high resolution printers and monitors. Bit-map images look the same, regardless of the resolution of the display. Another advantage of a vector graphic is that they often require less memory than bit-maps do. Note that most output devices including dot matrix printers, laser printers and display monitors are raster devices (wide format printers being the exception). This means that all objects, even vector graphics, must be translated into
