Types of Images
There are three basic types of digital image file
formats. They are vector-, raster- and meta
format. These will be described below. If you have any
questions please contact us.
Vector
Format
An image stored in a vector format is an images defined
by mathematically lines, curves, circles etc, which are
stored as mathematical formulas. Compared to raster
images only the formulas are stored. This makes the size
of the file very small. The images don't loose focus when
you zoom, since the lines are re-rendered.
A vector image gives a very high quality, it requires
small storage space and is easy to edit. That's why you
should always try to save your vector images in a vector
format. It is not possible to save photos, scanned images
etc in a vector format.
 Examples
of vector images are drawings, diagrams and illustrations.
Picture 1. Enlargement of a vector image. The quality is
still good.
A raster image is made up by small dots, known as
pixels in different colors. The dots create a pattern
which forms the image. The pattern will show if you take a
very close look at the image.
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Picture 2. Enlargement of a
raster image. |
Drawings, photos, images etc, which shall be used in a
document need to be transformed into a digital format.
This is done by scanning the image or take a photo with a
digital camera. The image is then stored as a raster file,
i.e. dot-pattern image.
Picture 3. Enlargement of a raster image. The quality is
not improved.
Meta Format
An image in meta format is a combination of both of the
two basic formats; vector and raster format. A meta image
can include both vector and raster information.
Photos are stored in raster format. In some cases you
might want to put describing numbers, text and arrows in
these images. Both text and arrows should be saved as vector
information and not as raster to keep the good quality but
the photos still needs to be in a raster format. The image
below includes both vector and raster information. The
storage is done in a meta format.
 Examples
of meta images are scanned photos in which you want to
include describing text.
Picture 4. Enlargement of a meta image. The quality is
good for the vector information.
Images
Provided by Format Guide
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