Vector Based Files

Raster files use a dot matrix to create the image one pixel at a time. Each pixel is a tiny square which are laid out in a rectangular grid with a color assigned to each one. These files have many colors and are perfect for photographs. The drawback being that when they are scaled up the number of pixels doesn’t change so the resolution degrades.

Native File Formats

Native files are files specific to the software program that created them like photoshop PSD files. There are literally almost as many native file types as there are software programs. The only drawback is that anyone who wishes to edit a native file must usually have the software that was used to create it.