Raster graphics

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Raster graphics are a type of digital image that uses a grid of individual pixels to represent a picture. Each pixel, or picture element, in a raster image has a specific color value, and the combination of these pixels forms the complete image. Raster graphics are commonly used in various applications, including digital photography, web design, and computer graphics.

Characteristics

Raster graphics are characterized by their resolution, which is defined by the number of pixels in the image's width and height. Higher resolution images contain more pixels and can display more detail, but they also require more storage space. The quality of a raster image can degrade when it is scaled up, as the individual pixels become more apparent, leading to a blocky or pixelated appearance.

File Formats

Several file formats are commonly used for raster graphics, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular raster image formats include:

• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
• PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
• GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
• BMP (Bitmap)
• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

Applications

Raster graphics are widely used in various fields due to their ability to represent complex images with a high level of detail. Some common applications include:

• Digital photography
• Web design
• Computer graphics
• Image editing
• Printing

Comparison with Vector Graphics

Raster graphics differ from vector graphics, which use mathematical equations to represent images. While raster graphics are resolution-dependent and can lose quality when scaled, vector graphics are resolution-independent and can be scaled to any size without losing quality. This makes vector graphics ideal for applications such as logo design and illustrations, where scalability is important.

Related Pages

• Digital image
• Pixel
• Image resolution
• Vector graphics
• Image file formats
• Computer graphics

See Also

• Graphics software
• Image compression
• Bitmap
• Rasterization

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