The difference between pixel and vector graphics

 

There is a basic difference between pixel and vector graphics.

Pixel graphics use a grid of small, square picture elements (pixels) for displaying graphics. Each pixel has a particular position and a particular colour value. The total number of pixels in an image is always the same. If the image is enlarged the resolution is reduced. Then the image often looks "iagged”. If an interpolation is used the image looks smooth but not as sharp. Pixel graphics are created in drawing programs such as Microsoft Paint and MacPaint.

Vector graphics are created from mathematically defined lines (vectors) and curves. Vectors draw pictures on the basis of their geometrical characteristics. Vector graphics are not defined by a fixed number of pixels. Therefore they are not dependent on resolution. During expansion the contours are scaled without device. Therefore they are suitable for showing sharp contours and details. Well-known vector graphic programs are Macromedia Freehand, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDraw. Exchange formats for vector graphics are, for instance, EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), WMF (Windows MetaFile), and MacPICT. These formats are metafiles, that

 

means they can contain vectors as well as bitmaps. Scaleable fonts (Type Fonts, True Type Fonts) are also made from vectors.

 

Source: Kipphan, Handbook of Print Media, Springer 2001, ISBN 3-540-67326-1

 

 

The figures below show a comparison of vector graphics and pixel graphics.

 

Original

100%

Pixel graphics

expanded

200%

Vector graphics

Vector graphics

Pixel graphics

 

 

More about this topic

Questions about the text

1. Which two pieces of information do you need to describe a pixel?

2. How can you avoid that pixel graphics look jagged?

 

Adobe Illustrator QuarkXPress Adobe Photoshop InDesign CorelDraw

For experts: reflect on the text

1. Which of the programs on the right are pixel and which are vector programs?

 

2. Both circles are vector graphics. Which one uses more memory and why?

 

3. This photo should be expended. What format do you need?

4. Is it possible to display vector graphics in a pixel graphic program?

5. Is it possible to display pixel graphics in a vector graphic program?

6. What could happen with the quality if you have reduced a pixel image? Is the quality the same or is it worse?

 

 

 

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