Bitmap vs Vector – Difference and Comparison

What is Bitmap?

A bitmap is a digital image file that uses a grid of pixels to represent the image. Each pixel in a bitmap image is represented by a single bit or multiple bits of data, which determines the color and intensity of the pixel. Bitmap files are used for simple graphics, such as icons, buttons, and logos because they can be easily created and edited using image editing software. Bitmap images are also used in printing applications.

Bitmap images are used in various settings, including web design, graphic design, and digital printing. They are used for simple graphics, such as icons, buttons, and logos because they can be easily created and edited using image editing software. In addition, bitmap files have a higher level of compatibility with devices and software programs, making them a versatile choice for many applications.

For example, a bitmap image can be converted into a halftone image in a printing press or a vector image for use in a laser or inkjet printer. However, they are not well-suited for complex images or images that require high resolution because the large number of pixels required to represent the image can result in a huge file size. Besides graphic design and printing, bitmap images are also used in video games and other interactive applications.

What is Vector?

A vector image is a digital image that uses geometric shapes, such as lines and curves, to represent the image. Unlike bitmap images, which use a grid of pixels to represent the image, vector images are resolution-independent, meaning they can be resized without losing quality. This makes vector images well-suited for use in applications where the image needs to be resized or scaled, such as in web design or graphic design.

Vector images are created and edited using specialized graphics software, e.g., Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. The user selects a set of geometric shapes to create a vector image from the program’s toolbox. These shapes can be manipulated using the program’s drawing tools, such as the pencil, brush, and eraser. The user can then combine and arrange the shapes to create the image, using the program’s alignment and layer tools to ensure that the image is composed correctly.

Vector images are used in various settings, including web design, graphic design, and digital printing. They are used for logos, icons, and other simple graphics because they can be easily resized and scaled without losing quality. In addition, vector images are used for more complex graphics, such as illustrations and diagrams, because they can be easily edited and customized using vector graphics software.

Difference Between Bitmap and Vector

  1. Bitmap images use a grid of pixels to represent the image, whereas a vector image uses geometric shapes to represent the image.
  2. Bitmap images are composed of a fixed number of pixels, whereas a vector image can be upsized and downsized without compromising quality.
  3. Bitmap images are used for simple graphics, e.g., icons and logos, whereas vector images are used for diagrams and illustrations.
  4. Bitmap images are larger in file size, whereas vector images are relatively smaller than the former.
  5. Bitmap images are edited using bitmap graphics software, such as Photoshop, whereas vector images are edited using vector graphics software, such as Inkscape.

Comparison Between Bitmap and Vector

Parameters of ComparisonBitmapVector
RepresentationGrid of PixelsGeometric Shapes
PixelsFixed Number of PixelsUndistortable Pixels
UsageIcons & LogosDiagrams & Illustrations
File SizeLarger File SizeSmaller File Size
Created UsingBitmap Graphics SoftwareVector Graphics Software

References

  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8017646/
  2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6165279/