Which hardware, software and file formats are used to create and share graphics, and how do you choose between them?
Graphics technologies and file formats: input and output hardware, vector versus raster (bitmap) graphics and software, resolution and compression, and choosing the right file format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, PDF, SVG) for the purpose.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on graphics technologies and file formats, covering input and output hardware, vector versus raster (bitmap) graphics, resolution and compression, and choosing the right file format such as JPEG, PNG, PDF and SVG.
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
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What this key area is asking
The SQA wants you to know the technologies and file formats used to create and share graphics: input and output hardware, vector versus raster (bitmap) graphics and software, resolution and compression, and choosing the right file format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, PDF, SVG) for the purpose. At Higher you must justify the choice, not just name a format.
Input and output hardware
Vector versus raster graphics
The software splits the same way: raster editors (photo editing) work on pixels, while vector/illustration and CAD software works on shapes. Choosing the right kind first avoids quality problems later.
Resolution and compression
Choosing a file format
Worked example
Examples in context
These choices are made daily: websites use JPEG and PNG with SVG logos for speed and crispness, while a printer expects a high-resolution PDF. The vector/raster distinction underpins the whole subject, because technical drawings and logos are vector (scalable, crisp) while rendered product images and photographs are raster (continuous tone), and getting the format wrong (a low-res web image sent to print) is a classic, costly mistake.
Try this
Q1. State whether a logo that must scale to many sizes should be vector or raster, and name a suitable format. [2 marks]
- Cue. Vector, because it scales with no loss of quality; SVG (or EPS).
Q2. State which file format is the standard for a print-ready document. [1 mark]
- Cue. PDF (it preserves layout, fonts and images and prints reliably).
Q3. State the difference between lossy and lossless compression. [2 marks]
- Cue. Lossy discards some detail to make smaller files (JPEG); lossless keeps all the data at a larger file size (PNG, TIFF).
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of SQA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
SQA Higher (style)4 marksExplain the difference between vector and raster (bitmap) graphics, and state when each is most suitable.Show worked answer →
A raster (bitmap) graphic is made of a grid of pixels, each with a colour. It is resolution-dependent: enlarging it makes the pixels visible (it goes blurry or blocky), so its quality depends on having enough pixels. It is ideal for photographs and continuous-tone images with subtle colour variation. Example formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF.
A vector graphic is made of mathematically defined shapes (points, lines and curves) with fill and stroke. It is resolution-independent: it can be scaled to any size with no loss of quality, and the file is usually small for flat graphics. It is ideal for logos, icons, line drawings, technical drawings and text, where crisp edges and scalability matter. Example formats: SVG, EPS, AI.
So raster suits photographs (continuous tone), and vector suits logos and line/technical work that must scale cleanly.
Markers reward: raster = grid of pixels, resolution-dependent, best for photos; vector = mathematical shapes, resolution-independent and scalable, best for logos/line work; with the correct suitability.
SQA Higher (style)4 marksA designer must supply: a photograph for a website, a logo that will be scaled to many sizes, and a final print-ready document. Recommend a suitable file format for each and justify your choice.Show worked answer →
Photograph for a website: JPEG. It is a raster format with good lossy compression, giving a small file size that loads quickly, and it handles the millions of colours in a photograph well. (PNG is an alternative if transparency or lossless quality is needed, but the file is larger.)
Logo scaled to many sizes: SVG (a vector format). Because it is resolution-independent it scales to any size with no loss of quality, stays crisp on screens and in print, and the file is small. (PNG could be used at a fixed size with transparency, but it would not scale cleanly.)
Final print-ready document: PDF. It preserves the exact layout, fonts and images in one portable file that prints reliably anywhere and is the standard hand-off format to a printer; it can embed both vector and raster content and supports high-resolution print output.
Markers reward: JPEG for the web photo (small lossy raster, many colours), SVG for the logo (scalable vector), and PDF for print (portable, preserves layout/fonts, print standard), each with a valid justification.
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