Raster vs Vector
Raster and vector are the two fundamental ways to represent graphics. Raster images (JPG, PNG, GIF) are grids of pixels, ideal for photographs. Vector images (SVG, AI, EPS) are mathematical paths that scale infinitely, ideal for logos and illustrations.
Use raster for photographs and detailed images with subtle color variation. Use vector for logos, icons, and illustrations that must stay crisp at any size, from a favicon to a billboard.
Raster vs Vector: side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Raster | Vector |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Pixels (fixed grid) | Math paths and shapes |
| Scalability | Blurs when enlarged | Infinite, no quality loss |
| Best for | Photos, complex images | Logos, icons, type, illustration |
| File size | Grows with resolution | Tiny for simple art |
| Examples | JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP | SVG, AI, EPS, PDF (vector) |
| Editing | Pixel-level | Shape/path-level, re-styleable |
What is Raster and what is Vector?
Raster
Raster graphics store an image as a fixed grid of colored pixels. This captures the subtle gradients and detail of photographs perfectly, but enlarging beyond the native resolution causes blur or pixelation, and file size grows with dimensions.
Vector
Vector graphics describe images as mathematical shapes, lines, and curves. Because they are resolution-independent, they scale to any size without losing sharpness, stay small for simple artwork, and can be restyled easily — but they cannot represent photographic detail.
When to use which
Choose Raster
Choose raster for any photographic or richly detailed image where pixels capture nuance that paths cannot.
Choose Vector
Choose vector for logos, icons, typography, and illustrations that must scale cleanly across screens, print, and large formats.
Convert between these formats
Use our free, browser-based converters: