Vector vs Raster Graphics: What's the Difference?

Understanding vector vs raster is the key to choosing the right image format. It explains why an EPS logo stays sharp at any size while a PNG goes blurry when you enlarge it.

What is a vector graphic?

A vector image stores artwork as mathematical instructions — points, lines, curves and fills. Because it's math, it can be scaled to any size with perfect sharpness. EPS, SVG, AI and PDF are vector formats. Vectors are ideal for logos, icons, type and line art.

What is a raster graphic?

A raster (bitmap) image is a fixed grid of colored pixels. It captures detail and subtle color beautifully — perfect for photographs — but it has a fixed resolution, so enlarging it past its native size makes it blurry or blocky. PNG, JPG, GIF and WebP are raster formats.

Side-by-side comparison

What happens when you convert vector to raster?

Converting an EPS to PNG or JPG "rasterizes" it: the math is baked into a fixed pixel grid at a chosen resolution. After that, the image can no longer scale up cleanly. That's why you should export at the size you need and keep the original vector for the future.

Which should you use?

• Logo or icon: vector (EPS/SVG) — scales anywhere.
• Photograph: raster (JPG) — captures real-world detail.
• Web image of a logo: SVG, or a high-res PNG.
• Large-format print: always vector.

Frequently asked questions

Can you convert raster back to vector?

Only by "tracing" it (auto or manual), which is an approximation — never as clean as the original vector.

Is EPS vector or raster?

EPS is primarily vector, though it can embed raster images inside it.