Bitmap versus vector graphics
How to convert bitmap data to vector data and back
It is sometimes necessary to transform images from bitmap data to vector data or back. Some possible uses include:
- If you scan or photograph a logo, it is a bitmap image. If it is going to be used often in a layout it is more practical to have that logo as a vector drawing. That reduces its file size and you can change the image size without worrying about any loss in quality.
- Vector drawings often have to be converted to bitmaps if they will be used on a web page.
- Vector drawings are sometimes too complicated for a RIP to be output on film or plate. Converting them to a bitmap simplifies the file.
Luckily it is fairly easy to convert images from one mode to the other:
- From bitmap data to vector graphics: the process to convert a bitmap image to vector data is called outlining or vectorizing. Some drawing applications such as Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw have this option built in. There are also separate programs available to vectorize bitmap images. For simple jobs the easiest solution is to put the bitmap image on the background of the canvas of a drawing application and manually draw over it.
- From vector graphics to bitmap data:
- Many drawing applications can store vector data as bitmap files as well (usually this option is hidden in the Export menu option).
- You can always view a vector file on screen, then take a screen capture and save this screen capture as a bitmap image.
- Photoshop can open some vector file formats and rasterize the file so that it becomes a bitmap file. A pop-up menu allows you to define the resolution and color mode of the bitmap data.
3 February 2010
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In IT bitmap is a picture in a file format used for representing and storing graphics on a number of operating systems. It has a number of grids of pixel and it is shaped. There are many file formats for example, bmp, pcx, tiff and gif and so on. These file formats gives you a good view of the created edge lines. Bitmap images are used by all computers and all the information for all windows operating systems uses bitmap.
i really appreciate your website xxxxxxx
I just love this article!
It really rocks!
THANKYOU
… U haven’t given me any examples!!!! I would like 2 c images comparing vector and bitmap graphics!
Hey Wiseman, thanks for pointing out that some of the images on this page were missing. I have added them again and also included an example that shows how difficult it can be to distinguish between vector and bitmap images.
For more example of hyper-realism in vector art, have a look at http://basangpanaginip.blogspot.com/2006/07/worlds-most-photorealistic-vector-art.html
Amazing stuff!
Hi
I think that this is a really good website
It tells me everything that i need to know about bitmap images.
Thanks for the help.
i still dont get it
great website i think it is spendid thnx loads m8
nice, i’m looking for this. A post about vector..!
i’m learning inkscape now.
the above imformation is really good and helpful for me to understand the difference between BMP and vector graphic images.
I really need more about the bitmap images as i need to give a project on the image processing under the C language so what ever you have got please mail me .
Sorry, I simply don’t have the time to help everyone with their school projects.
Terrific site.
But beneath the headline “File formats that are used for vector data” on this page [http://learnonline.nku.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_69306_1%26url%3d], it switches to bitmap information.
I find it confusing.
Very informative and useful site for non IT/ techi people. Thanks so much for taking the time to impart your knowledge.
which one has a bigger/smaller file size??? haha
I found lots of useful information from this site, thank you! Now I just have to find some time to browse through the rest
this is really helping. thank you
great website
The image with the enlargement showed one of the main disadvantages of bitmap images: once they are enlarged to much, they look unnatural and blocky. But reducing a picture too much also has a bad influence as it looses sharpness.
You used the wrong “to.” The sentence should have been “… once they are inlarged too much…”
Thank you.
Has any one ever come across a form of CT/LW file that contains three parts, .exc .ct .lw?
hi Laurens
you say that “You can convert a bitmap image into a vector file. A vector image can be transformed into a bitmap” but on ur previous link you said that only vectors can be converted to rasters, did u make a mistake or did i misinterpret?
thanks
p.s. i found the web helpful!
Hi
I am in the middle of a project with Sierra and I need to convert a eps file to a bmp file and I am totally lost… Can you give me a little nudge in the right direction please…
hi, pls give me the strength of vector drawn graphic?i’m not very clear with this.tq as soon as possible k..
I explained the differences between bitmap (raster…pixel) images and vector images in a video I did a while back.
http://macmerc.com/macmerc-tv-pixels-vs-vectors/