MACROMEDIA FLASH MX 2004-USING FLASH Use Manual page 86

Vector graphics
Vector graphics describe images using lines and curves, called vectors, that also include color and
position properties. For example, the image of a leaf is described by points through which lines
pass, creating the leaf 's outline. The color of the leaf is determined by the color of the outline and
the color of the area enclosed by the outline.
When you edit a vector graphic, you modify the properties of the lines and curves that describe its
shape. You can move, resize, reshape, and change the color of a vector graphic without changing
the quality of its appearance. Vector graphics are resolution-independent; that is, they can be
displayed on output devices of varying resolutions without losing any quality.
Bitmap graphics
Bitmap graphics describe images using colored dots, called pixels, arranged in a grid. For example,
the image of a leaf is described by the specific location and color value of each pixel in the grid,
creating an image in much the same manner as a mosaic.
When you edit a bitmap graphic, you modify pixels rather than lines and curves. Bitmap graphics
are resolution-dependent, because the data describing the image is fixed to a grid of a particular
size. Editing a bitmap graphic can change the quality of its appearance. In particular, resizing a
bitmap graphic can make the edges of the image ragged as pixels are redistributed within the grid.
Displaying a bitmap graphic on an output device that has a lower resolution than the image itself
also degrades its quality.
86 Chapter 5: Drawing