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Definition
Rasterization is the process of converting vector graphics (described by mathematical shapes) into raster images (grids of pixels). This happens when you export an SVG to PNG, render a PDF page as an image, or display vector content on a pixel-based screen.
Vector graphics describe images using mathematical primitives — lines, curves, circles, and polygons defined by coordinates and equations. Rasterization converts these mathematical descriptions into a grid of colored pixels (a bitmap) at a specific resolution. Every time you view a vector image on your screen, rasterization is happening in real-time.
The resolution chosen during rasterization determines the output quality. Converting an SVG logo to a 100x100 pixel PNG produces a small, potentially pixelated result. The same SVG rasterized at 1000x1000 pixels produces a sharp, detailed image. Unlike raster-to-raster scaling, re-rasterizing from the original vector source always produces clean results at any size.
Rasterization is a one-way process — converting a raster image back to vectors (vectorization or tracing) is imprecise and cannot recover the original mathematical descriptions. This is why it is important to preserve vector source files (SVG, AI, EPS) alongside rasterized exports. Common rasterization scenarios include: SVG to PNG conversion, PDF to image export, and rendering web fonts.