The file size is the amount of space your file takes up on your storage, such as a computer hard drive. The file size is another important discussion point. To learn more about the differences between vector and raster, check out Vector vs Raster: What’s the difference? a one-off photo image would be perfect in the highly detailed raster image format, whilst a multiuse logo would be ideal in Vector image format. The key to your choice is what you wish to create and how you wish to use the image. However, they don’t have the same color definition regarding graduation and blending. Because of this system Vector image format files can be scaled with no loss of quality, allowing for quick response zoom on websites for example.
What is best image format for web or iphone series#
Vector files are much smaller because they don’t contain single-pixel data but instead they rely on a series of paths or connections (all done with complicated math that you don’t have to worry about). Raster images can not be scaled up without losing definition and quality. The quality depends on the number of pixels per inch (PPI) and image dimensions.
For this reason, the files are larger in size. The whole image is an incredibly complex combination of single colored dots. In very general terms Raster files are made up of individual pixels and every single pixel contains color data. Choosing the correct format is vital in order to get the perfect image exactly how you wanted it, choosing the wrong format can lead to a serious quality reduction, or even completely missing images.įundamentally we have two kinds of image file formats, these are Vector image format files and Raster image format files. Each format has a specific use or sometimes multiple uses. Pretty much everything you see printed on paper, plastic, or clothing came originally from an image file. You might not be an expert after this, but it should at least help you avoid a headache after your discussions with your designers or clients.Įvery single graphic you see online is an image file in a certain format.
So, let’s go through some of the basics ideas and terms and look at the most popular image formats in use today and address some of their pros and cons. You need to think of how your image will be used now and in the future, scales, resolutions are all going to matter. Why because this will help you future proof your image. You need to know what these are and get an idea of the basics. Some image formats work better with certain types of images, there are pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, limitations, and usage issues. What a pain! but, the fact is there is a reason for different image formats. Then you get the messages -this device doesn’t support this format, please send in PNG, that’s just the start… Let’s be honest: you often just choose the one you’ve heard of, or used before and presumed it worked. Instead, we are overwhelmed by a series of semi understood (at best) acronyms. Image formats should be clear cut -you’ve created an image, logo, animation, poster… so you save it, and now you can just use it for anything, right? If, if only that was the case, a one size fits all image format system, it would make life much easier.