All image files can be categorized into two kinds, Bitmap and Vector graphics. These two differs in the way computers analyze their content.
Bitmap graphics are mapped into a grid. The size of the grid is based on the image's resolution. For example, a bitmap-based image of 1 inch x 1 inch with a 600 dpi resolution would be defined by a grid of 600 x 600 pixels. Hence, a bitmap-based image is like a mosaic of pixels with each pixel holding a specific color value. Bitmap are more suitable for photo-realistic images that require complex color variations. Each bitmap-based image is mapped to a non-flexible grid therefore it is not scalable. If a bitmap-based image were to be enlarged, it would lose its sharpness. All edges within the image would appear to be jagged and appear lossy. File names for bitmap-based images usually consist of extensions such as *.PSD, *.JPG, *GIF, *.TIF, or *.BMP.
Vector graphics generally contain well-defined elements such as curves and shapes of various colors. These elements can either be pure graphics, western alphabets or Asian characters. Each element is defined mathematically by the computer. For example, if a vector-based image contains a red dot, then information such as the location of the circle's center point, the length of its radius, and the color, red, would be the essential information for this image file. File names for vector-based images usually consist of extensions such as *.EPS, *.AI, *CDR, or *.DWG.
The advantages of bitmap are that you can make and edit much more detailed images and restoring an image from disk requires very little computation. However it requires more computer memory for file storage while vector objects require less storage than bitmap, scale and rotate with very little loss of detail and manipulate each object separately, even when on the same layer. Vector is unable to display photo-realistic images such as a photograph because images of this type generally do not contain well-defined shapes and curves. Vector is more suitable for illustration that require precise measurements as images appear lossless.
As for the five different graphic elements we might use in a project, which is for example-creating a web page, it includes a background for the web page, a header, a site map, navigations like drop downs and links, buttons and icons and also text and graphic images. Images like group photos of web design team or an illustration photo will be created using Bitmaps. Bitmaps also help create icons and buttons needed. Meanwhile, vectors will help us create legible fonts, text and numbers that will attract viewers and audience.
So for the background, buttons, and icons, the sensible choice would be to use bitmap images. This is because background images are already in bitmap images and to convert it to vector images would not only be useless but it will also lose its quality. As background pictures must be clear, quality cannot be compromised.
As for the buttons and icons both will be in bitmap. However, for buttons vector images can also be used. But for this project a bitmap graphic would be better suited because when in a webpage, graphics that seem real are more susceptible to be seen as buttons that can be clicked on as opposed to vector graphics that though may be used as buttons may not lead users to believe it is clickable. Icons will also utilize bitmap graphics as it adds more depth and realism into it for those that will be seeing and interacting with them; which in essence is what icons need to convey above all. An icon that is a vector graphic may not be as convincing as it not as clear.
As for text vector graphics will be used. Texts within a webpage are the content, meaning they are what you are trying to communicate to users. As such they cannot be fancy and too flashy in style like the background or the icons. They must look normal and to have them as bitmap graphics will not be suitable as it will make the webpage bigger in size which which consequently means longer load time for users who view the page.
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