Art and Design – Graphic communication | e-Consult

Both raster and vector graphics are fundamental tools, but they differ in structure, scalability, and ideal applications.

1. Raster graphics

   • Made of pixels; resolution‑dependent.
   • Best for photographic images, detailed textures, and complex colour gradients.
   • Suitable for print media that requires high‑resolution output (e.g., magazines, posters) and for web use where file size can be managed.
   • Limitations: scaling up leads to pixelation; large files can be cumbersome.

2. Vector graphics

   • Constructed from mathematical paths; resolution‑independent.
   • Ideal for logos, icons, typography, and illustrations that need to be resized frequently.
   • Works well for both print (e.g., business cards, signage) and digital media (e.g., responsive web graphics).
   • Limitations: not suited for complex photographic detail; gradients can be less smooth without additional techniques.