What the difference is between bitmap and vector images. Which is suitable and when. Why do I need to know this?

We start to encounter problems with Bitmap images when we try to change the resolution of our images. When we try to make images smaller the computer has to delete pixels in order for them to fit within the specified resolution. This can cause our images to degrade and we don’t see as much detail in the image anymore. When we try to enlarge our image it becomes blocky because the computer tries to guess what colour our extra pixels should be.

This image was firstly reduced in sized and then made larger. We have lost detail when we re-enlarged it because the computer removed some of the pixels when we downsized it! When we re-enlarged it, the computer tried to guess what colours should be added...clearly it wasn’t the best guess!

Bitmap (raster) – format made by Microsoft. – ideal use is desktop backgrounds on your PC. Vector – Used for printing business cards, brochures, logos etc. – Easily embedded in other documents. – Best for printing illustrations professionally. GIF (raster) – The best choice for graphic images on the web. – Only uses 256 colours

JPEG – Uses more colours than GIF – best choice for photos on the web. – Use to photographs to people. – Small file sizes. TIFF – Very good for scanning and printing photos. – Used in commercial and professional printing. – Best for printing photos professionally. – A common format that can be used by most computers. WMF – Used for clipart. – Don’t support a lot of colours. – Not good for professional printing. – Used for drawing in Microsoft Windows.

You need to create 3D models which are based on 2D net designs. Your designs need to be done using Vector Graphics! To get the best results when dealing with images you need to have a good understanding of how computers deal with images! If you want the best you need to work with a file format that suits your purpose!