Binary Representation of Vector Images

Vector images do not store the data by examining pixels, but are a set of instructions
for drawing a geometric shape.

This image shows how a vector graphic
(the 3 black lines) could be converted to
a bitmap.

Existing images (including photographs) cannot be easily converted to a vector graphic, and any attempt to do so will spoil the realism of the image.

Vector graphics can be resized by any amount without losing quality – making them ideal for fonts, logos and clip-art – but are not suitable for realistic images.

They must also be converted into bitmaps during printing (unless printed to a plotter)
or displaying on a screen.


Vector graphics take up less storage space than bitmaps, generally, but require more
processing power to repeatedly redraw the image.