Digital Graphics: What Businesses Need to Know

Whether you’re using a mobile device or a desktop computer, working with some sort of digital dashboard, or playing a video game, the visual components you interact with are considered digital graphics.

A digital graphic is a visual element that is featured on a screen. Usually, they’re created using computer graphics and design software. This can include digital logos, banner ads, wireframes, digital animations, memes, and interactive elements.

These images can help communicate your message and evoke emotions. As a result, they’re often developed to help advertise, promote, and brand businesses.

This article will dive into the different types of digital graphics, what their benefits are, and how you can use them to promote your business.

Types of Digital Graphics

1. Vector graphics
2. Raster images

There are two types of digital graphics: vector and raster. Vector graphics are created using equations to plot points along a curve or a line, while raster images are graphics that are made up of pixels, or little tiny squares.

These small differences can end up creating a slightly different look for each design. For example, consider how these two renderings of the US Coast Guard’s emblem look when inspected up close.

Source: Pavilion

For this image, the anchor points in the vector formatting were able to create a crisper view than the raster image.

Which type of graphic design you choose to create may depend on what software is available to you, what types of images you’re trying to create, and how scalable you need your image to be.

As your business considers which format would be best for your digital graphics, keep this information in mind:

Vector Graphics

Because they use anchor points instead of pixels to create images, Vector graphics can be scaled without impacting quality. They can be saved as .eps, .xml, .svg, .cgm, and .odg formats, which require less storage space than other types of files.

To create vector graphics, you need to use software programs such as Illustrator, Sketch, CorelDRAW Affinity Designer, and Inkscape.

Raster Images

Raster files can help you create more complex images, but they aren’t as scalable as vector graphics.

The more pixels in an image, the higher quality the image will be. However, this requires more storage space and can create pixelated images when zoomed in.

Generally, designers use Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, GIMP, and Artweaver to create .jpg, .bmp, .tiff, .png, or .gif files.

The Purpose of Digital Graphics

The average US adult spends about 12 hours per day in front of screens, whether that’s on their computer, on their phone, or on TV. As a result, that’s how people absorb most of their information.

Therefore, digital graphics can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to reach a wide audience.

Here are 3 ways digital graphics can improve your designs:

Improve UX/UI

In addition to images, digital graphics allow you to add an interactive element to your site that enhances your site’s design.

Visuals can break up text, make it easier to comprehend your message, and develop a brand identity. Infographics, for example, help readers understand large amounts of information.

While most graphic design companies focus primarily on static designs, digital design can involve movement and animation. Online, you can add digital graphics that respond to clicks or scrolling.

In this example, Column Five Media developed an interactive graphic for one of their clients.

Source: Medium

The page shows abstract images symbolizing different types of drinks; when a user clicks on them, they can read about the ingredients and how many calories are associated with each drink.

By adding an interactive element to your graphics, you can engage your audience even more and create a lasting impression.

Enhance Brand Identity

Visuals are a huge part of a company’s brand identity. By incorporating digital graphics into your website, social media, and ads, you can expand brand awareness and name recognition.

Digital graphics can grab your audience’s attention online, making them more likely to click on your content.

In addition to your logo, you can create digital graphics such as branded infographics that link back to your site, images that reflect your brand values, and eye-catching ads that use your company’s color palette.

Increase Versatility

Digital graphics are versatile, meaning you can use them for multiple purposes. They can easily be replicated and shared on various platforms or printed.

Consequently, digital graphics are easier to share online and with others. This is why most logos are digital designs; it’s easy to add them to your website, email marketing efforts, and social media profiles.

On top of that, having a digital copy of your graphics allows you to easily edit them to create dynamic logos. This allows you to easily adapt your designs for different campaigns.

Digital Graphics Are Necessary

As people spend so much time on their devices, creating digital images that appeal to them is a necessity. By incorporating digital graphics in your website, ads, and more, you can elevate your brand.

They’re versatile and can be used on multiple digital platforms. On top of that, they can enhance your web design and improve UX/UI.

Before you create your own digital graphics, consider what resources you have, what software is accessible to you, and how you’re going to use your designs. This will help you determine whether your business should create vector or raster designs.