Editing Raster graphics editor (section)

== Comparison to vector graphic editors ==
[[Vector graphics editor]]s are often contrasted with raster graphics editors, yet their capabilities complement each other. The technical difference between vector and raster editors stem from the difference between vector and raster images. [[Vector graphics]] are created mathematically, using [[Geometry|geometric]] [[formula]]s. Each element is created and manipulated numerically; essentially using [[Cartesian coordinate system|Cartesian coordinates]] for the placement of key points, and then a mathematical algorithm to connect the dots and define the colors.

Raster images include [[Digital photography|digital photos]]. A raster image is made up of rows and columns of dots, called [[pixel]]s,<ref name="mdn24" /><ref name="gimp24" /> and is generally more [[Photorealism|photo-realistic]]. This is the standard form for [[digital camera]]s; whether it be a [[Raw image format|.raw]] file or [[JPEG|.jpg]] file, the concept is the same. The image is represented pixel by pixel, like a microscopic jigsaw puzzle.

Vector editors tend to be better suited for [[graphic design]], [[page layout]], [[typography]], [[logo]]s, sharp-edged artistic [[illustration]]s, ''e.g.'', [[cartoon]]s, clip art, complex geometric patterns, [[technical illustration]]s, [[diagram]]ming and [[flowchart]]ing.

Advanced raster editors, like [[GIMP]] and [[Adobe Photoshop]], use vector methods (mathematics) for general layout and elements such as text, but are equipped to deal with raster images down to the pixel and often have special capabilities in doing so, such as brightness/contrast, and even adding "lighting" to a raster image or photograph.