About Vector Processing and Raster Processing

Vector processing

Vector images use mathematical formulas to create lines and curves (paths). When you zoom into the image, the lines and curves remain smooth. The image maintains high quality for output.

Vector processing provides the following benefits:

• It typically produces much smaller print files than raster processing.
• It is usually faster than raster processing.

  Vector processing times vary depending on the number of views processed and the complexity of the views.

When you select Vector Processing to print a set of sheets and views, Revit does the following:

• It uses raster processing for individual views that are best produced using that method, based on the criteria listed for raster processing below.
• For the remaining views and sheets in the set, Revit uses vector processing.
• If a sheet contains multiple views, Revit uses raster processing only for the views that require it. For other views on the sheet, Revit uses vector processing.

Raster processing

Raster images consist of individually drawn pixels. When you zoom into the image, you can see its individual pixels.

Raster processing typically produces lower quality output than vector processing. However, some print jobs require raster processing. Revit automatically uses raster processing for a view if any of the following conditions are true:

• The view uses a shaded or realistic visual style.
• The view uses shadows, ambient shadows, sketchy lines, or depth cueing.
• The view uses point clouds.
• The view uses a gradient, sky, or image background.
• The view contains a coordination model.
• The views contains graphics produced by the DirectContext3D api or an add in that uses it.

Raster processing times depend on the dimensions of the view and the amount of graphics. To improve performance when printing from Revit, reduce or eliminate these conditions in the views to be printed.

Because Revit automatically uses raster processing for views that require it, select Vector Processing for most print jobs to realize the benefits of that technology. Select Raster Processing when needed to correct issues with print output, for example, when a page prints blank or some elements are missing from the print-out.