Raster vs Vector Graphics: What's the Difference?

How raster and vector graphics work, their strengths, limitations, and best use cases.

Every digital image falls into one of two categories: raster (bitmap) or vector. Understanding the difference is fundamental to working with digital graphics.

Raster Graphics

A raster image is a grid of pixels — tiny squares of color. Every photograph is raster. Common formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, BMP, TIFF. Raster images have a fixed resolution; scaling up causes blurring and pixelation.

Vector Graphics

A vector image is a set of mathematical instructions describing shapes. The rendering engine draws them at whatever resolution the output device needs — always perfectly smooth. Common formats: SVG, AI, EPS, PDF.

When Raster Wins

• Photography
• Complex natural imagery
• Screenshots
• Pixel art

When Vector Wins

• Logos at any size
• Icons and UI elements
• Typography (all fonts are vector outlines)
• Charts, diagrams, maps
• Print design at high resolution
• Animation and interactivity

Converting Between Formats

Raster to vector: Shape to Vector traces pixel boundaries into vector paths. Works well for flat-color graphics. Vector to raster: Export from any vector editor at any resolution — always lossless at the target size.