Vector/Raster Flash file size

[Egg Bramhill]

I've noticed lately that there have been quotes similar to

Because Flash is vector based, the file size is smaller

Please bear in mind that whilst this is generally true it's not always the case. A vector can often contain many shapes that eventually can create a file size larger than that of an equal sized raster. Not only that but tweening between a single raster image is far less CPU intensive than tweening between a vector that contains many individual shapes, all of which need to be scaled.

I attach two files as examples. One is a vector swf the other a raster swf. Not only is the raster.swf slightly smaller but for folks with older computers the raster.swf is generally smoother and less CPU demanding. EDIT: Note that the 2 attached files were created in Flash but could have equally been created in XXP.

Hope this makes sense.

[sledger]

Hi Egg, I only see one file here and even that just shows a white rectangle for me in Opera 9.51?? (Normally I see all yours and others flash in Opera no problem)

[Egg Bramhill]

A Vector swf.

[Egg Bramhill]

A raster swf. Not a lot smaller but a lot less CPU hungry.

[sledger]

It's OK Egg, all good now you posted the two files. Both show fine.

But I have to say, the vector.swf loaded much faster for me and is much smoother and of better quality than the raster.swf (which shows slight jaggies on the edges and fonts)

[Egg Bramhill]

Hi Egg, I only see one file here and even that just shows a white rectangle for me in Opera 9.51?? (Normally I see all yours and others flash in Opera no problem)

Sorry Steve, I was cross posting. Hopefully you'll see both posts now.

[Egg Bramhill]

Cross posting again

But I have to say, the vector.swf loaded much faster for me and is much smoother and of better quality than the raster.swf (which shows slight jaggies on the edges and fonts)

The vector swf loads faster because it streams were as the raster swf needs to load the complete bitmap before animating. And yes the vector image will scale better as you note on the font.

Another thing to note is that creating a large vector tween will also slow down a lesser CPU, but the raster tween wont.

[sledger]

Does not all flash based media stream data and play chunks as received? For example, YouTube flash video is all raster data (which streams), as are many complex flash advertising blocks and indeed some entire flash sites.
Originally the format was concieved for the purpose of allowing this kind of rich media to play on any PC and slower internet/network connections.

I realise your raster version is using but one image, but the tweening has surely created many frames (similar to video) which should mean that the flash animation should begin to play before all frames are even loaded?

Though I'm prepared to be proven wrong here as I'm no flash expert