Image types

There are two major types of image files on computers, bitmap and vector. Both have pro’s and con’s to them and each have more suitable uses for different images. Bitmap images are generally more used than vectors. They are usually quite large files; this is because information such as colour and position from every pixel is recorded. Bitmaps are used mostly for photos because they reproduce colour more accurately.

Instead of recording pixels vector images are made up from mathematical co-ordinates. For example it saves the exact co-ordinates of a line rather than dividing it into pixels. This stops vector images from “pix-elating” when the image is enlarged. Vector files are also smaller because only co-ordinates and numbers are stored. Instead of photos vector images are used mostly for typography or strong shapes such as logos.