Raster vs vector

A quick comparison between raster and vector graphics with practical use cases for each format.

What it is

Raster vs vector is a core graphics comparison. Raster images are made of pixels, while vector graphics are made of paths.

Why it matters

Choosing the wrong format can cause blurry exports, heavy files, or unnecessary editing limits.

Common use cases

  • Raster: photos and detailed textures
  • Vector: logos, icons, and illustrations
  • Mixed workflows: raster backgrounds with vector overlays

Quick comparison

Raster quality drops when scaled up. Vector quality stays sharp at any size.

Related terms

Related terms