Best way to describe vector vs raster

"I always say

Raster records the pixels in the
picture.

Vector records the steps it took to
draw the picture.

So if you enlarge Raster you get a big picture with big pixels. If you enlarge Vector the computer follows the steps to redraw at higher resolution.

If you have a chance to demo it for them, load up Word and put in 1 small (raster) image and 1 clip art. Then drag the corners to show what happens. You could even print out the before/after and hang it on your cube so you have something to point to."

Vector graphics are to the etch-a-sketch, as raster graphics are to a mosaic.

"A raster image is like a paint-by-numbers picture you played with as a kid. Each pixel is assigned a number representing a color and the computer just fills in all the pixels to display it.

A vector image is like asking an artist to write down all the steps he takes to create a painting. He records every brush stroke by its location on the canvas, its shape, direction and size. Another artist can then follow the instructions to reproduce the same painting.

A computer is very good with numbers so it can reproduce either type of image with ease but turning a raster image into a vector image is like asking an artist to take a grid of numbers and a color pallet, determine what shapes the numbers represent and then record the brush strokes he would have used to create them.

Anyone can fill in a paint by numbers picture but what shapes and brush strokes it would take to create the same picture is open to interpretation. A good artist could get close but it would never be exact.

A computer can do no better than an artist. It can create smaller, more detailed brush strokes than even the most talented artist but it is actually far worse at recognizing complex shapes. So the best it can do is a close approximation."

Just explain to them that there are two different ways of storing images and yours is the other way.