---
title: "Image versus graphics"
subject: "Multimedia System"
chapter: 3
key: "semester_8/multimedia_system:image-vs-graphics"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/multimedia_system/image-vs-graphics
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Image versus graphics

Multimedia System · Chapter 3: Images and Graphics

- Asked in: 2072 Magh, 3 marks; 2071 Bhadra, 3 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Multimedia Images & Graphics](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hLmBsLM1fk) — chander shekhar
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/multimedia_system/image-vs-graphics
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/multimedia_system/chapter-3

## Question

Differentiate between image and graphics.

## Short answer

An image is a pixel grid captured from the real world, resolution-dependent and large; graphics are mathematical vector objects, scalable without loss and small. Images suit photos; graphics suit logos and diagrams.

## Answer

An **image** is a picture stored as a grid of pixels, usually captured from the real world. **Graphics** are pictures generated from a mathematical or geometric description of objects (lines, curves, shapes, colours).

| Point | Image (bitmap/raster) | Graphics (vector) |
|---|---|---|
| Stored as | Array of pixel colour values | Objects with attributes and equations |
| Source | Camera, scanner | Drawn or generated by program |
| File size | Large; depends on resolution and colour depth | Small; depends on number of objects |
| Scaling | Loses quality (pixelated) | Scales without loss |
| Editing | Pixel level; hard to move one object | Object level; easy to move, resize, recolour |
| Best for | Photographs, realistic scenes | Logos, diagrams, CAD, fonts |
| Formats | BMP, JPEG, GIF, PNG | SVG, CDR, AI, WMF |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. How is a graphics (vector) picture stored, compared with an image?
   A. As objects with attributes and equations, while an image is an array of pixel values
   B. As an array of pixel colour values, while an image is a set of equations
   C. Both are stored as pixel grids, but graphics use fewer colours
   D. Graphics are stored only as compressed JPEG data
   Answer: A. Graphics are described mathematically as objects (lines, curves, shapes) with attributes, whereas an image is a grid of pixel colour values. (Key point: Storage form)

2. What happens when you enlarge each type a lot?
   A. Both become pixelated
   B. Graphics become pixelated, the image stays sharp
   C. The image becomes pixelated, graphics scale without loss
   D. Neither changes because both are resolution independent
   Answer: C. Pixel images lose quality (pixelation) when enlarged; vector graphics are recomputed from equations and scale without loss. (Key point: Scaling)

3. Which pairing is correct?
   A. Image: logos and CAD, small file; graphics: photographs, large file
   B. Image: photographs, large file; graphics: logos and diagrams, small file
   C. Image: fonts, small file; graphics: scanned pages, large file
   D. Image and graphics both suit photographs equally, with equal file sizes
   Answer: B. Images suit realistic photographs and are large; graphics suit logos, diagrams and CAD and are small because size depends on number of objects. (Key point: Best use and file size)

## Related in Multimedia System

- [Video versus animation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fmultimedia_system%3Avideo-vs-animation) — Multimedia System, chapter 4, asked 4×
- [MIDI versus digital audio](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fmultimedia_system%3Amidi-vs-digital-audio) — Multimedia System, chapter 2, asked 3×
- [RGB versus CMY colour model](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fmultimedia_system%3Argb-vs-cmy) — Multimedia System, chapter 3, asked 3×
- [HSB versus YUV colour model](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fmultimedia_system%3Ahsb-vs-yuv) — Multimedia System, chapter 3, asked 2×
- [Lossless versus lossy compression](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fmultimedia_system%3Alossy-vs-lossless) — Multimedia System, chapter 5
- [Higher-level language versus OO approach](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fmultimedia_system%3Ahll-vs-oo-approach) — Multimedia System, chapter 7

## Related in other subjects

- [Image space versus object space methods](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Aimage-space-vs-object-space) — Computer Graphics, chapter 7, asked 9×
- [Raster versus vector graphics](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Araster-vs-vector-graphics) — Computer Graphics, chapter 1, asked 4×
- [Resize image keeping aspect ratio](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Aresize-image-aspect-ratio) — Computer Graphics, chapter 1
- [Differentiate AR, VR and MR](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Aar-vr-mr-difference) — Computer Graphics, chapter 1