Raster files are image files that store data in a grid of pixels. Each pixel represents a single point in the image and contains information about its color and brightness. This format is commonly used for photographs, digital paintings, and scanned documents.
Here are some common raster file types:
- JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): A widely used format known for its compression capabilities, which reduces file size without significant loss of quality. It is often used for photos, web graphics, and digital images.
- PNG (Portable Network Graphics): Another popular format that offers lossless compression, meaning no data is lost during compression. It is ideal for images with sharp edges, text, and graphics that require high quality.
- TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): A flexible format that supports various image depths and color spaces. It is commonly used for high-quality images, especially in professional printing and graphic design.
- GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): A format primarily known for its support for animation and transparency. It uses lossless compression and is often used for simple graphics, logos, and online animations.
- BMP (Bitmap): A format that stores images as a simple grid of pixels without any compression. It offers high quality but results in large file sizes.
In contrast, vector files use mathematical equations to represent images, making them scalable without losing quality. Examples of vector file types include SVG, PDF, and AI.
