bitmap versus vector

When at work, Steve often requests for a company’s logo and is sent one that’s readily available—usually from theiriwebsite. Sadly, it’s a Low Res / blurry one as opposed to aisharp one. This is because there’s sometimes confusion between available computer formats for logos etc.

The difference in formats :

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1 a bitmap / raster file is composed of pixels e.g. .tif / .bmp / .jpg (all bitmap or pixelated files), and …

2 a vector file, composed of paths or lines e.g. an Adobe Illustrator eps*.

Here’s the thing to remember :

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If you enlarge a bitmap / pixelated file of, for example, a logo, it will be blurred beyond belief.

the bitmap blursthe vector holds its sharpnessHowever, if you enlarge a vector / line file of the same logo to 50 km wide (or even 3 billion light years wide) it will still be sharp … it is based on geometrical formulas to render the file, resulting in line.

Use whichever suits your needs best e.g. bitmap for web that’s low resolution, but vector for sign-writers or anyone creating artwork.

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>  Of course, it is very difficult showing vector / line online, as computer monitors are pixel-based anyway.

*  Photoshop can produce an .eps, but this is pixelated. So the vector-based .eps is what is required.