Bitmap vs. Vector Files

Bitmap vs. Vector Files

These are fundamentally different types of graphics files.

Bitmap Files:

Vector Files:

Also called "geometry" files.
Are used for diagrams, illustrations, etc., and created by "draw" programs.
Describe object relationships; can be scaled to any desired size without pixellation.
Do know "why" a pixel is the color it is.
Tend toward smaller file sizes.

Enlarging an Image

Original Bitmap File:

Enlarged Bitmap File:

Enlarged, Smoothed Bitmap File:

Enlarged, Anti-Aliased Bitmap File:

Enlarged Vector File:

"Hybrid" Files:

Since both kinds of data are useful, many programs use file formats that can handle both bitmap data and vector data.
Examples include Adobe Illustrator^{^TM}, MacroMedia Freehand^{^TM}, Fractal Design Painter^{^TM}, Deneba Canvas^{^TM}, etc.