Despite its shortcomings, raster format is still the Web standard - within a few years, however, vector graphics will likely surpass raster graphics in both prevalence and popularity. Common raster formats include TIFF, JPEG, GIF, PCX and BMP files.

Remember though that some images, like photographs, are still best displayed in raster format.

Overall, as compared to vector graphics, raster graphics are less economical, slower to display and print, less versatile and more unwieldy to work with. Just as raster files are significantly larger than comparable vector files, high resolution raster files are significantly larger than low resolution raster files. Thus, high resolution images should only be used if your equipment has the capability to display them at high resolution.īetter resolution, however, comes at a price. Remember also that the resolution you actually observe on any output device is not a function of the file’s own internal specifications, but the output capacity of the device itself. The higher the dpi, the better the resolution. Resolution in raster graphics is measured in dpi, or dots per inch. To maximize the quality of a raster image, you must keep in mind that the raster format is resolution-specific - meaning that raster images are defined and displayed at one specific resolution. Although raster images can be scaled down more easily, smaller versions often appear less crisp or “softer” than the original. Hence, your raster-based logo, magnified to 1000, becomes bitmapped before you know it.

Why? Ultimately, when you look close enough, you can begin to see the individual pixels that comprise the image. Just like photographic images that get blurry and imprecise when blown up, a raster image gets jagged and rough. However, because raster images are pixel-based, they suffer a malady called image degradation. Non-line art images are best represented in raster form because these typically include subtle chromatic gradations, undefined lines and shapes, and complex composition. Raster graphics are best used for non-line art images specifically digitized photographs, scanned artwork or detailed graphics.

Raster graphic file format