raster graphics: image is a dot matrix data structure representing a generally rectangular grid of pixels, or points of color, viewable via a monitor, paper, or other display medium. Raster images are stored in image files with varying formats.

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Vector graphics: is the use of polygons to represent imagesin computer graphics. Vector graphics are based onvectors, which lead through locations called control points or nodes.

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Advantages of raster graphics:

* Raster graphics are great when creating rich and detailed images.  Every pixel in a raster image can be a different colour therefore you can create a complex image with any kind of colour changes and variations.

* almost any program can work with a simple raster file. The most recognized application that handles raster graphics is Adobe Photoshop however there are also several other image editing software options out there for you to choose from.

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Disadvantages of raster graphics:

* Raster images cannot be scaled up in size very well. If you do try to enlarge a raster image, it will look grainy and distorted. This is because raster images are created with a finite number of pixels. When you increase the size of a raster image, the image increases in size however, because there are no longer enough pixels to fill in this larger space, gaps are created between the pixels in the image. The photo editing software that you are using will try to fill these gaps the best they can however, the resulting image is often blurry.

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Advantages of vector graphics:

* Vector files are small because they contain a lot less data than raster files.

* Vector graphics are more flexible than raster graphics because they can be easily scaled up and down without any loss to the quality of the image.

* Vector graphics have smoother lines when compared to square, pixel-based raster graphics therefore, they are better with straight lines and sweeping curves than raster graphics.

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Disadvantages of vector graphics:

* If there are small errors or faults in a vector graphic, these will be seen when the vector image is enlarged significantly.

* Vector graphics are generally filled with a solid color or a gradient. They can’t display the lush color depth of a raster graphic.

At Pixellogo, our logo templates, business cards and stationery are available for purchase in vector and raster file formats. This makes the files that you purchase easier to use no matter what type of file format you need. Our 3D logo templates are available as raster graphics.

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BMP file format, also known as bitmap image file or device independent bitmap (DIB) file format or simply a bitmap, is a raster graphics image file format used to store bitmap digital images, independently of the display device (such as a graphics adapter), especially on Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems ...

Advantage: Bitmap files may be easily created from existing pixel data stored in an array in memory.Retrieving pixel data stored in a bitmap file may often be accomplished by using a set of coordinates that allows the data to be conceptualized as a grid.

 

Disadvantage: They can be very large, particularly if the image contains a large number of colors. Data compression can shrink the size of pixel data, but the data must be expanded before it can be used, and this can slow down the reading and rendering process considerably. Also, the more complex a bitmap image (large number of colors and minute detail), the less efficient the compression process will be.

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GIF: A lossless format for image files that supports both animated and static images.

Advantage: GIFs also support transparent backgrounds and therefore can help show a professional look to a website with an animation over a different background.

Disadvantage: the animation has been coded into the actual GIF file there is no way to go back and edit the image. This may lead to having to start all over again to make a minor adjustment to an image.

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JPEG: a format for compressing image files

advantage: high controlled degree of compression. The user independently selects the ratio quality/file size;​ and has small file size.

disadvantage: image may “fall apart” into individual squares – 8×8 pixel blocks when you squeeze it. This occurs because compression algorithm involves analysis of neighboring pixels, due to this smooth color – transitions may become harsh or just disappear.

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