Digital images are of many kinds. Each of them haves their own characteristics- Based on the inherent characteristics the quality of image and the ease of retouching it depends. The most common form of Digital image is Bit map image and the other form is vector Image. The artist or the professional based on the use of the image will have to decide the type of image that would suit the purpose best. Most scanned images and images clicked by a digital camera are bitmap images. A Bit map image will be based on pixels and a number of pixels form a grid. The grid is dependent on the resolution of the image.

The basic characteristic of vector images are made of points which are connected by lines. Once connected these images take different shapes. Since these images are based on straight lines they tend to be of geometric pattern. A skilled illustrator can do wonders with a vector image. Certain characteristics of the vector images make them advantageous to non vector images. Adobe illustrator software is best suited to work with vector images. These images are best suited for the print media and the web. Certain inherent characteristics of vector images are very appealing to the viewers.

Images where size is to be altered typically in case of logos vector images have a distinct edge over bitmap images. Since bitmap images are made by pixels located in a grid therefore alteration of size of images create distortions. As, in case of reduction in size means discarding certain number of pixels. On the other hand Vector images by characteristic are points connected by straight lines. Therefore when size of the image is altered then the distance between the points has to increase hence chances of distortion are negligible. Bit map images are suitable for use where high resolution and prominence of colors are of prime importance.

Easy scalability of the vector images make them acceptable to many usages. These images find commercial usability over personnel use. Since they are scalable creating a logo is in most occasions done using a vector image. As if required the image can be magnified to fit a life size banner. Moreover these images can have transparent background hence can be imposed on other images without creating distortions. A vector images have another clear edge over bitmap images. Vector images are basically made of objects. Each of these objects that make up the image has its own set of properties. Therefore these objects individually can be altered without influencing the surrounding objects.

The clear edges of vector images over bitmap images are quite a few. Images required for commercial purposes mean they will have to edited and resized without distortions. Moreover since vector images are based on mathematical formulae therefore they are particularly suitable for use in cases where precision is of essence. Another reason the vector images are liked by professional is that they can be converted to bitmap images but bitmap images cannot be converted to vector images so easily so easily.