Flare supports common raster image formats such as BMP, GIF, JPG, and PNG. In addition, it supports vector image formats such as EPS, PS, and SVG.
A vector image comprises geometric elements such as lines, points, and curves, based on mathematical equations. On the other hand, raster graphics are made up of pixels. A vector image is ideal for print-based output because the clarity is maintained even when you reduce the size of the graphic. Vector images are supported in PDF output. If you generate another type of output, you may find that some vector formats (e.g., SVG) are supported while others (e.g., EPS) are not due to limitations of the browser or application. When a vector image is not supported in an output, it is converted to PNG.
It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a vector and raster graphic when viewing it at 100%. But if you zoom in the difference becomes apparent. Following is an example of a PDF document with the same image in JPEG and SVG format.
The text in the SVG image is a little more readable. And if we zoom in, we can see why.
Here is what the JPEG image looks like when we zoom in at 300%. Notice that the pixels look blurry when enlarged.
And here is what the SVG image looks like. Notice that the text still looks as clear as it does at a much smaller size.
