New
New
Year 8

Comparing bitmap and vector graphics

I can compare vector and bitmap images and consider which image type best suits which situation.

New
New
Year 8

Comparing bitmap and vector graphics

I can compare vector and bitmap images and consider which image type best suits which situation.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Vector images are made from shapes and paths so they stay sharp when resized.
  2. This makes them good for logos or icons which need to be presented in different sizes.
  3. Bitmap images are made from pixels. They can lose quality when resized and are better for photos and detailed pictures.

Keywords

  • Bitmap - images that are made from pixels

  • Pixel - a dot of colour that, when combined with others, creates a bitmap or raster image

Common misconception

Vector images are better than bitmap images in every situation.

Vector and bitmap images are suited to different tasks. Vectors are best for simple, scalable designs like logos, while bitmaps are better for detailed images like photos.


To help you plan your year 8 computing lesson on: Comparing bitmap and vector graphics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use zoomed-in examples of both image types side by side to clearly show the difference in quality when resized. This visual comparison helps pupils understand why each format is better for certain uses.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Rubric to evaluate vector graphic

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What does SVG stand for?

Small Vector Graphic
Simple Visual Guide
Single Visual Graphic
Correct answer: Scalable Vector Graphics

Q2.
How does an SVG file store an image?

As a list of photographs
As a set of coloured pixels
Correct answer: As code with instructions for shapes
As a sound recording

Q3.
What can you change in SVG markup to move a shape?

The file name
Correct answer: The numbers or tags that set its position
The colour of your screen
The type of computer you use

Q4.
Put these actions in order when editing an SVG image:

1 - Open the SVG file
2 - Change a value in the markup
3 - Save the file
4 - View the updated image

Q5.
Match each keyword to its description:

Correct Answer:Markup,Code that holds details of vector graphics

Code that holds details of vector graphics

Correct Answer:Scalable,Ability to change size without losing quality

Ability to change size without losing quality

Correct Answer:Scalable Vector Graphic,A graphic that can be resized easily

A graphic that can be resized easily

Correct Answer:Position,Where a shape appears on the canvas

Where a shape appears on the canvas

Q6.
What kind of details can be found in SVG markup for each shape?

The name of the artist
The date the image was made
The type of device used
Correct answer: The size, colour, and position

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What are vector images made from?

Pixels
Photographs
Correct answer: Shapes and paths
Text only

Q2.
Which type of image is best for a company logo that needs to be shown in different sizes?

Bitmap
Hand-drawn sketch
Animated GIF
Correct answer: Vector

Q3.
What are bitmap images made from?

Correct Answer: Pixels

Q4.
Which type of image is best for a detailed photograph?

Correct answer: Bitmap
Vector
Line drawing
Block diagram

Q5.
Match the image type to its best use:

Correct Answer:Vector,Best for simple, scalable designs

Best for simple, scalable designs

Correct Answer:Bitmap,Best for detailed pictures

Best for detailed pictures

Correct Answer:Photograph,An example of a bitmap image

An example of a bitmap image

Correct Answer:Logo,An example of a vector image

An example of a vector image

Q6.
Which statement about vector and bitmap images is incorrect?

Vector images are best for simple designs that need resizing, like logos.
Bitmap images are ideal for detailed pictures, such as photographs.
Correct answer: Vector images are always better than bitmap images for every use.
Bitmap images can lose quality if resized too much.