In Repper you can work with source images that are bitmap (JPEG, PNG) or vector (SVG). Both file types have their benefits and downsides, which we'll discuss here.

<aside> ☝ Aside from the differences listed below, the key question is: do you wish to freely scale your patterns without concern for resolution? If yes and you have your imagery available in vector, you'd probably best to go with vector.

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Reliability

Bitmap: Simply pixels, generally just works as expected in Repper

Vector: Repper supports many but not all SVG features (learn more) and vector support is still in beta

Resolution

Bitmap: Output resolution depends on source image and selection size

Vector: Freely scalable, because vector

Edit performance

Bitmap: Typically fast, even for very large source image

Vector: Fast when using bitmap preview, can be slow with vector preview

Export performance

Bitmap: Speed depends on resolution of export: less than a second for lower resolution, up to half a minute for very large images.

Vector: Speed depends on complexity of SVG: export can take from a second up to many minutes for very complex designs.

Effects

Bitmap: Comes with a range of effects, including DuoTone and Metamorphosis

Vector: No effects at the moment

File size

Bitmap: Small for low resolution export, large for high resolution

Vector: Small for simple shapes regardless of size, large for detailed imagery