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Also, when would you use one vs the other?

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"When would you use vs the other" is a bit broad I think. A bit more context would be needed (because in digital media, you'll often have to use raster images even if vector would be the "right thing") – Pekka 웃 Jan 6 '11 at 18:00
I'm just looking for typical examples in an ideal world. I understand that often you have to use raster images, but I'm just looking for the generic use cases. – PearsonArtPhoto♦ Jan 6 '11 at 18:56

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Vector graphics are graphics in which the image is represented in a mathematical fashion. What this allows one to do is to zoom in an image to infinite precision. They are ideal for situations in which an image might be used at various resolutions and dimensions.

Raster graphics are of a fixed dimension, somewhat like a grid pattern with specified values at each point. These graphics are the default for things from the real world (IE, scanned images, photographs, etc). They are ideal for use when an image will only be used once, and will never need to be enlarged, or if portions are coming from a photograph or other real-world image.

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to add to Pears answer: Vector images are good for Logos, and Icons, when the size is indeterminate. Raster images are good for backgrounds and photos, when you know how big you want something to be. – zzzzBov Jan 6 '11 at 21:42
up vote 7 down vote

@Pearsonartphoto already puts it nicely. In an effort to find the shortest possible definition that is still correct:

  • Vector graphics are a collection of geometrical elements (primitives like circles, squares, triangles... as well as polygons and curves) that you can enlarge to any size.

  • Raster (Pixel) graphics is a collection of coloured dots. You can't enlarge it without the dots starting to show.

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Resizing the raster graphic down doesn't degrade the image as much as enlarging, though. – koiyu Jan 6 '11 at 18:26
@koiyu cheers, I meant "enlarge". Fixed – Pekka 웃 Jan 6 '11 at 18:26
@koiyu It doesn't at all, if you use Super Sampling. – muntoo Jan 7 '11 at 5:05
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NOTES: Inkscape would be an example of a Vector Graphics editor, while GIMP/Photoshop/Paint.NET/etc are suited to editing raster images.

Ever notice that as you zoom into an image, the quality gets lower? That's a raster image. A raster image is like the one your digital camera takes. They are usually in the formats JPG (lossy), GIF (lossless), PNG (my favorite; lossless), and many others.

This is a Raster Graphics editor in action:

Paint.NET

Meanwhile, vector images are in the format of SVG, and some others. Their applications are not usually for everyday use. (Ordinary people don't use vector graphics.) You can't upload .svg files, normally, and not everyone has an editor (even though Inkscape is free).

They're based on the mathematical idea of vectors:

Vectors

Vector graphics can do more than just lines, though. They can draw other "primitives" like squares, circles, curves.

Here's an image that explains the difference best: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:VectorBitmapExample.svg

Notice I couldn't upload because it was in .svg (vector) format. You CAN convert it to a raster, though, but I was too lazy.

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