Section 3 · What Digital Images Are Made Of

Vector Image Fundamentals

Definition

Images built from mathematical paths (points, lines, curves) rather than pixels; resolution-independent.

Why it matters

Vector work scales infinitely without quality loss, which is why logos, icons, and print-ready type are built this way.

Example

A logo that looks identical printed on a business card or a billboard.

Note

The distinction sticks fastest when you see it fail — enlarge the same mark in both formats side by side and watch the raster version fall apart on screen.