Pros and Cons of Vector Images

Vector graphics are a powerful image format for creating digital images, but they also have their limits. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of vector graphics and discuss the best uses for this technology.  

Vector graphics are often the preferred choice for digital art because they are scalable and maintain their quality regardless of size. This means that images created with vector graphics will look the same at any size, making them an ideal format for logos, icons, and other graphics that may need to be resized later.

Other typical uses are for stationery, large banners, signs, vehicle graphics and illustrations.

Vector Graphic Verses Bitmap Images

There are two kinds of computer graphics – raster (composed of pixels) and vector (composed of paths). Raster images are more commonly called bitmap images.

A bitmap image uses a grid of individual pixels where each pixel can be a different colour or shade. Bitmaps are composed of pixels.

Vector graphics use mathematical relationships between points and the paths connecting them to describe an image. Vector graphics are composed of paths.

Bitmap images require higher resolutions and anti-aliasing for a smooth appearance. Vector based graphics on the other hand are mathematically described and appear smooth at any size or resolution.

Bitmaps are best used for photographs and images with subtle shading. Graphics best suited for the vector format are Logos, page layout, type, line art or illustrations.

You may have a logo that you designed yourself, either created using photo editing software or perhaps a design that you’ve hand drawn, 90% of the time we can re-draw it into a vector graphic.

Vector Graphics are also ideally suited for detailed illustrative work and industrial illustrations.

It’s quite often more beneficial to show a detailed vector illustration rather than trying to produce a high resolution photographic image, especially when used for demonstration purposes or technical instruction manuals.

We’ve re-created many products into vector images for this purpose. Quite often it works out far less expensive than hiring a professional photographer! Don’t forget that you will be able to scale up your vector image to any size and the image will always remain sharp. This is something that can’t be achieved with photographic images.

Disadvantages of Vector Graphics

Vector graphics are not ideal for complex images that contain a lot of detail, as the file sizes tend to be quite large. This can be a problem when creating illustrations, as a lot of detail can be lost in the vector version of the image. Vector graphics also rely heavily on colour and gradients, which can be difficult to create accurately. 

Best Uses for Vector Graphics 

Vector graphics are best used for logos, icons, illustrations, and other graphics that will be resized or shared frequently. This technology is also great for creating simple vector art, such as typography and abstract illustrations. Vector graphics are not ideal for photographs, as they lack the detail and resolution of a raster image

Conclusion

Overall, vector graphics are a great tool for creating digital images, but their limitations should be taken into account. Vector graphics are great for creating logos, icons, and illustrations, but they may not be suitable for creating detailed images or photographs. Ultimately, the best use for vector graphics will depend on the needs of the project. 

If you think that you need a vector graphic file format, then we can convert your logo from a bitmap or raster image to a high quality vector graphic. Your logo will be completely redrawn using the smallest number of points possible (but still retaining image quality); the fewer the points the smaller the file size.