How do raster images differ from vector images?

Raster images are characterized by being made up of pixels, which are small squares of color that combine to form images. When you zoom in on a raster image, you can see these individual pixels, which can become pixelated or blurry if enlarged beyond their original resolution. This makes raster images suitable for detailed photographic images but limited in scalability without loss of quality.

In contrast, vector images are created using paths defined by mathematical formulas. These paths can be scaled to any size without losing quality because they are not reliant on a fixed number of pixels. This makes vector images ideal for logos, illustrations, and any graphics that must be resized frequently.

The correct choice highlights this fundamental difference between the two image types: raster images are pixel-based, while vector images use mathematical representations for paths. Understanding this distinction is crucial when choosing the right format for a specific graphic task.